Bahrain pledges to finalize GCC-Pakistan free trade agreement

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Bahrain on Thursday agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, industry, agriculture, food security, higher education, information technology, logistics and maritime affairs, while reaffirming their commitment to finalise a free trade agreement between Pakistan and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

The agreement was reached during the third session of the Pakistan-Bahrain Joint Ministerial Commission, co-chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and visiting Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani.

Speaking at a joint media briefing following the meeting, the two ministers said both sides reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation across a broad range of sectors, including energy, sports, tourism and business-to-business engagement.

They also agreed to work towards doubling bilateral trade over the next three years.

Dar said the two countries had signed the protocol of the third session of the Joint Ministerial Commission and agreed to hold the fourth session within a year.

Both sides also reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation in labour mobility, vocational training and human resource development to create greater opportunities for skilled Pakistani workers and professionals.

Dar said the two sides had also discussed the evolving situation in the Gulf and stressed the importance of restraint, de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy.

They also discussed the need to ensure the safety and freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb.

On Gaza, the two sides stressed the urgent need for unhindered humanitarian assistance and reiterated support for a just and lasting solution in accordance with relevant United Nations resolutions.

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Discussing the Indus Waters Treaty, Dar said India’s unilateral decision to place the treaty in abeyance constituted a breach of international law and amounted to an attempt to weaponise shared water resources, with implications for Pakistan’s water, food and energy security.

On Afghanistan, Dar underscored the importance of ensuring that Afghan territory is not used against Pakistan.

In his remarks, Al Zayani appreciated Pakistan’s positions on ongoing regional crises, including its support for UN Security Council resolutions and its efforts, alongside other partners, to promote dialogue and de-escalation.

He also acknowledged Pakistan’s role in facilitating dialogue, including by hosting talks between the United States and Iran.

“We also committed to finalizing the GCC-Pakistan free trade agreement and will review progress at the fourth session in the Kingdom of Bahrain next year, in 2027,” Al Zayani said.

The Bahraini foreign minister also reaffirmed Bahrain’s condemnation of attacks on Abha International Airport and King Khalid International Airport, as well as attacks by the Houthi movement on civilians and civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, including in Makkah and Madinah.