Strengthening Security and Military Ties Between Pakistan and Bahrain
Pakistan and Bahrain have expressed a strong commitment to enhancing their security collaboration. This mutual interest was highlighted during a meeting between Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Bahrain’s General Sheikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa in Manama, Bahrain. The discussions focused on deepening cooperation in several critical areas, including counter-terrorism, combating human trafficking, and anti-narcotics efforts.
The two nations also explored ways to make the Pakistan-Bahrain Joint Security Committee more effective. The Bahraini interior minister praised the existing coordination between the two countries, emphasizing the value of their security partnership. He noted that this collaboration extends beyond security to other fields, reflecting a broader strategic relationship.
During the meeting, Naqvi stressed the importance of improving cooperation in counter-narcotics and anti-human trafficking initiatives. He described these efforts as essential for maintaining regional stability and protecting national interests.
In addition to the discussions between senior officials, military-to-military relations between the two countries were also addressed. Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with Bahrain in the military and training domains. His remarks came during a visit from General Shaikh Mohammed Bin Isa Bin Salman Al Khalifa, Commander of the Bahrain National Guard.
Air Chief Marshal Sidhu highlighted the long-standing religious and historical ties between Pakistan and Bahrain, which have fostered a unique sense of brotherhood between the two nations. He also acknowledged the significant progress made by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) over the years, particularly through its focus on indigenisation.
The visiting Bahraini commander expressed admiration for the PAF’s achievements and showed a keen interest in expanding air force-to-air force cooperation. He emphasized the potential benefits of sharing knowledge and technology to enhance the operational readiness of the Bahrain Air Force. Specifically, he expressed interest in learning about the PAF’s capabilities in emerging warfare domains such as Space, Cyber, and Electronic Warfare.
Furthermore, the Bahraini dignitary expressed a desire to establish basic to tactical level training setups in these advanced domains. This initiative would allow for greater collaboration and skill development between the two air forces. Additionally, he mentioned an earnest interest in procuring equipment from the National Aerospace Science and Technology Park, highlighting the potential for technological exchange and joint development projects.
These developments underscore the growing strategic partnership between Pakistan and Bahrain. Both nations are working to strengthen their ties across multiple sectors, from security and defense to technological innovation. As they continue to build on their shared goals, the future of their collaboration appears promising and mutually beneficial.
