Bahrain and Pakistan have pledged to further strengthen ties in various fields, including energy, defence and security.

They noted the potential for increased mutual investments and agreed to provide a favourable environment for investors from both countries, said a report in the Gulf Daily News, our sister newspaper.

In a joint communique issued at the end of an official visit by His Majesty King Hamad of Bahrain, the two sides acknowledged the close ties and reiterated their commitment to strengthen them further - including the finalisation of a Pakistan-GCC Free Trade agreement, the report said.

Bahrain and Pakistan agreed to boost defence co-operation and hold the security dialogue annually. They also decided to strengthen sharing of information, intelligence and assessments.

Both sides denounced terrorism in all its forms and reaffirmed their desire to boost co-operation in combating terror at both the bilateral level and within the multilateral system of the UN.

They also reiterated the importance of peaceful resolution of all issues through dialogue.

Bahrain recognised the enormous growth potential of Pakistan's economy and expressed readiness to consider investments in the country.

Agreements have also been signed to enhance high-level political exchanges, trade and economic relations and people-to-people ties.

The two sides welcomed the setting up of Pakistan-Bahrain Joint Ministerial Commission.

During the visit, His Majesty held meetings with Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

He also received Prime Minister's adviser on national security and foreign affairs Sartaj Aziz, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar and Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif.

His Majesty returned to Bahrain last night and was welcomed at the airport by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier. - TradeArabia News Service