ISLAMABAD, AUG 28 (DNA) – Shaikh Khalid Bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, the Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain called Mr. Shah Mehmood Qureshi this afternoon, to congratulate him on the election victory of his party and assuming the office of the Foreign Minister of Pakistan.

He expressed his keen desire to work with the Foreign Minister for further solidifying the existing bonds of friendship between Pakistan and Bahrain.

The Foreign Minister warmly reciprocated the sentiments expressed by H.E Shaikh Khalid Bin Ahmed Al Khalifa and underlined the importance attached by Pakistan to its relations with the Kingdom.

Taking the opportunity, the Foreign Minister congratulated his Bahraini counterpart on achieving Tier 1 status on Anti Human Trafficking efforts.

He remarked that it was not a small achievement and made the entire Muslim world proud. He expressed gratitude for H.M. King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa’s generous gift of King Hamad University in Islamabad, saying it would serve as a strong bridge of friendship between Pakistan and Bahrain.

The two foreign Ministers agreed to interact more closely, to reinvigorate economic, commercial, trade and investment relations between Pakistan and Bahrain, to boost the current level of bilateral trade. (US $310 million).

They also agreed to revive institutional mechanisms of Joint Ministerial Commission and Bilateral Political Consultations between the two countries, to explore fresh avenues of enhancing bilateral cooperation.

The Foreign Minister thanked H.E Shaikh Khalid Bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, for hosting more than 100,000 Pakistani workers, who treated Bahrain as their second home.

While highlighting his government’s priority to serve Pakistani Diaspora abroad, he expressed concern over the reports of visa suspension for Pakistani nationals by the Kingdom.

Pledging unwavering support to the government of Bahrain in ensuring peace and security of its citizens, he expressed the hope that visa restrictions and strict security measures against Pakistanis living in the Kingdom would be eased, to help them live with dignity and honour.

The Foreign Minister conveyed his greetings and best wishes to the leadership and people of the Kingdom of Bahrain.=DNA

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