Bahrain and Pakistan have pledged to bolster security and military co-operation to combat the scourge of terror.

The two countries also agreed to boost the volume of trade exchanges and increase joint investment ventures, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

This came as His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa held talks with his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif at Gudaibiya Palace.

"Oil and gas will remain a key focus area for both countries," said the two leaders, who also agreed on bolstering financial and banking co-operation.

They hailed the positive outcome of His Majesty King Hamad's visit to Pakistan, stressing the importance of implementing the signed deals on setting up a joint ministerial panel.

The pivotal role of the private sector in building strong economic partnerships was also stressed.

The two leaders agreed to co-ordinate regional and international action to fight terror as part of efforts to strengthen global security and stability.

HRH the Premier underscored the importance of Prime Minister Sharif's visit as a catalyst which would bolster bilateral relations.

He paid tribute to the Pakistani expatriate community for its crucial role in revitalising Bahrain's economy and development march.

"The security of Bahrain and Pakistan is inseparable," said Prime Minister Sharif, paying tribute to HRH the Premier for his statesmanship and farsighted leadership.

He invited HRH the Premier to visit Pakistan.

Key agreements signed

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa signed several agreements with Pakistani Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Tarak Fatimi.

It included a protocol amending an agreement on avoiding double taxation and fiscal evasion was sealed; a draft agreement on exempting Bahraini holders of special diplomatic passports and Pakistani holders of official diplomatic passports from short-term residence visa; and a memorandum of understanding relating to the environment field.

It also included a cultural memorandum of understanding; a twinship protocol between Islamabad and the Capital Governorate; and an educational and academic memorandum of understanding.

HRH the Premier hosted a lunch banquet in honour of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and the delegation.

Senior members of the Ruling Family, parliament and Shura Council chairmen, ministers, senior officials and businessmen attended. - TradeArabia News Service