President Zardari arrives in Bahrain on a 4-day official visit

President Zardari arrives in Bahrain on a 4-day official visit

President Zardari in Bharain. File Photo

President Asif Ali Zardari along with his daughter Asifa Bhutto in Bharain. File Photo

January, 13 2026

LAHORE (Web Desk): President Asif Ali Zardari has arrived in Bahrain’s capital Manama for a four-day official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation.

According to the Presidency, President Zardari was warmly received upon arrival by Bahrain National Guard Commander Sheikh Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa and Foreign Minister Sheikh Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani.

A video shared by the Presidency showed that First Lady Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari is accompanying the president during the visit, highlighting the importance of the diplomatic engagement.

Soon after landing, President Zardari held a meeting with the commander of Bahrain’s National Guard, marking the start of high-level discussions during his stay.

President Asif Ali Zardari arrived in Manama on a four-day official visit to Bahrain. He was received by Commander of the Bahrain National Guard Sheikh Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa and Foreign Minister Sheikh Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani. pic.twitter.com/BK5BZtp146
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) January 13, 2026

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State broadcaster PTV reported that the president will meet Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who also serves as the prime minister.

In addition to official meetings, President Zardari is scheduled to address a reception at the headquarters of Bahrain’s Economic Development Board in Manama, focusing on economic cooperation and investment opportunities.

The Foreign Office (FO) said the talks will cover bilateral, regional, and international matters of shared interest. It added that the visit aims to reinforce Pakistan’s long-standing relations with Bahrain while exploring new areas of collaboration.

Key areas under discussion include trade and economic partnership, defence and security cooperation, and strengthening people-to-people contacts between the two countries.

Pakistan and Bahrain have recently stepped up engagement. In November last year, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited Bahrain and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to deepening ties with the kingdom.

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During that visit, the prime minister highlighted Pakistan’s interest in expanding trade and investment and said bilateral trade is expected to grow under the Pakistan-GCC Free Trade Agreement (FTA).