ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Bahrain have reaffirmed their commitment to finalise a free trade agreement between Pakistan and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), while agreeing to expand bilateral cooperation across several sectors.
The agreement was reached during the third Pakistan-Bahrain Joint Ministerial Commission, co-chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani.
Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, food security, IT, logistics, energy, tourism and maritime affairs. They also aim to double bilateral trade over the next three years.
The two countries further agreed to enhance labour mobility, vocational training and opportunities for skilled Pakistani workers.
The ministers also discussed regional developments, stressing dialogue and diplomacy, as well as the safety and freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb.