ISLAMABAD, Oct 5: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said on Wednesday that defence cooperation between Pakistan and Bahrain would continue to the mutual advantage of the two countries.

The prime minister was talking to Prince Muhammad Bin Issa Al-Khalifa, Commander of the National Guard in Bahrain, who called on him at the Prime Minister’s House here on Wednesday.

Noting that Pakistan and Bahrain were bound together by centuries-old ties of history, culture and religion, Mr Aziz said that in the days to come the “close and cordial” relations between the two countries would go from strength to strength.

According to Mr Aziz, there is a lot of scope for further expansion and consolidation of relations between the two countries, especially in the fields of trade, commerce and investment. Referring to the Bahraini prime minister’s visit to Pakistan, Mr Aziz said that it had helped further strengthen the bilateral relations.

Pakistan and Bahrain share a common desire for peace and have identical views on many regional and international issues, he said.

The prime minister said Pakistan was fast becoming an attractive destination for prospective foreign entrepreneurs and businessmen owing to its investment-friendly policy and highly conducive climate of investment.

He expressed hope that businessmen and entrepreneurs from Bahrain would also avail the abundant opportunities of investment available in the country.

He also observed there was a need to present Islam in its true light with a view to dispelling the doubts and misgivings present in certain quarters about Islam and its adherents.

Prince Issa lauded the achievements made by the country, particularly in the economic field, and expressed confidence that Pakistan-Bahrain ties would be strengthened further in all fields.

The prime minister later hosted a luncheon in honour of Prince Muhammad Bin Issa Al-Khalifa.