ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Wednesday said Pakistan and Bahrain enjoy similarity of views on bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest and vowed to continue contributing in Bahrain's prosperity, security and stability.

He was speaking to Khalifa Bin Ahmed Al-Dhahrani, Chairman of the Council of Representative of Kingdom of Bahrain, who called on him here.

Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, MNA and Convener Pakistan-Bahrain Parliamentary Friendship Group Pir Shafqat Hussain Jillani, Secretary Foreign Affairs Aizaz chaudhry and senior officers attended the meeting. Bahrain’s ambassador to Pakistan, Mohammad Ebrahim Mohammad Abdul Qadir was also present.

The prime minister said that recent visit of King Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to Pakistan was a testament to the fact that the two countries enjoyed close and cordial relations based on mutual trust and understanding, which were deep rooted in culture and history.

“Our two countries have always stood by each other in testing times and we deeply appreciate the assistance extended by the Kingdom of Bahrain following natural calamities in Pakistan over the years,” the premier said.

The institutional framework of bilateral, political consultations between the two foreign ministries, enhanced interaction at governmental level, bilateral economic and trade cooperation were also discussed in the meeting.

Prime Minister Sharif said that his government had introduced investor-friendly policies, due to which several foreign companies and governments had invested in many projects.

He said Pakistan would welcome Bahraini investments in projects in the field of energy, downstream oil industry, port development, mining and minerals, infrastructure, education, banking, engineering and manufacturing sectors.

Khalifa Bin Ahmed Al-Dhahrani thanked the prime minister for receiving him and his delegation. He reciprocated the warm sentiments expressed by PM Sharif about the importance of Pakistan-Bahrain ties.

He agreed that there was a need to enhance Pakistan-Bahrain economic and trade cooperation, noting that cooperation between the two parliaments was increasing which should continue.

The Bahraini diplomat particularly mentioned the positive role of over 90,000 Pakistanis living in Bahrain in the country's development. He extolled the Pakistani community's contributions in promoting and protecting Bahrain's security and stability.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif affirmed that people of Pakistan were happy to contribute to Bahrain's prosperity, security and stability and they would continue to do so.

Khalifa Bin Ahmad Al Dhahrani is visiting Pakistan at the invitation of his counterpart, Sardar Ayyaz Sadiq, who assisted the prime minister in the meeting.