ISLAMABADv (Web Desk) – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Thursday that Pakistan was ready to convert its longstanding ties with Bahrain into a broad economic partnership, urging businesses in both countries to explore new opportunities together.
Addressing an assembly of Bahraini and Pakistani business leaders in Manama, the prime minister said the moment was ripe to turn “strong relations into meaningful economic cooperation.”
PM Shehbaz Sharif, who is leading a high-level delegation, expressed gratitude to the Bahraini leadership for what he described as an exceptionally warm welcome.
He said the reception made the delegation feel “as if we have come to our own home”, adding that the fraternal bonds between the two nations reinforced a sense of belonging rather than foreignness.
The prime minister said Pakistan and Bahrain had maintained a strategic partnership for many years, and his visit aimed to reinforce that relationship with fresh economic initiatives.
Shehbaz Sharif noted that the delegation’s discussions with Bahraini officials had taken place in a “highly cordial and constructive atmosphere”, focused on unlocking new areas of cooperation.
PM Shehbaz Sharif highlighted Pakistan’s demographic advantage, emphasising that 60 percent of its population consisted of youth aged 15 to 30.
He said the government was equipping young people with skills in IT, artificial intelligence, technical trades and other emerging fields, positioning them to work jointly with Bahraini enterprises on innovation and development.
Bahrain’s Finance Minister Sheikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa also addressed the gathering, underscoring his country’s interest in deeper commercial engagement with Pakistan.
The prime minister said both sides were prepared to expand collaboration in IT, AI, agriculture and multiple other sectors, opening “new pathways for shared prosperity”.
