President Asif Ali Zardari’s four-day official Bahrain visit highlights efforts to deepen economic and security cooperation between the two nations.
President Asif Ali Zardari arrived in Manama on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, for a four-day Zardari Bahrain official trip. He was received by Bahrain National Guard Commander Sheikh Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa and Foreign Minister Sheikh Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani. Accompanied by First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, the visit focuses on high-level meetings with Bahrain’s leadership to discuss trade, defence, and regional issues.
The President Zardari Bahrain visit comes at a time when Pakistan seeks to bolster its Gulf partnerships. These relations provide vital economic support through trade and remittances, helping stabilise Pakistan’s economy amid South Asian geopolitical tensions. Bahrain hosts a significant Pakistani expatriate community, contributing to bilateral exchanges.
Zardari Arrives in Bahrain
Upon landing in Manama, Zardari arrives in Bahrain marked by a formal reception. The Presidency of Pakistan confirmed the arrival via an official post on X, stating that President Zardari was welcomed by key Bahraini officials. Ambassador of Bahrain to Pakistan Mohammed Ibrahim Abdulqader and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Bahrain Saqib Rauf were present.
Shortly after, President Zardari met with the Bahrain National Guard Commander. This initial engagement set a positive tone for the Zardari Bahrain official trip. The four-day itinerary includes addresses and receptions, such as one at the Economic Development Board headquarters in Manama.
The delegation accompanying President Zardari is high-level, as noted in official statements. The visit builds on recent diplomatic exchanges, including a meeting in December 2025 where President Zardari hosted the Bahraini Ambassador and emphasised fraternal ties.
Pakistan Bahrain Bilateral Talks
High on the agenda are Pakistan Bahrain bilateral talks with King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who also serves as Prime Minister. Discussions will cover bilateral, regional, and international matters.
The Foreign Office of Pakistan outlined that the talks aim to expand collaboration in trade and economic partnership, defence and security, and people-to-people ties. Bahrain’s official news agency echoed this, stating the meetings focus on strengthening relations and addressing shared developments.
Defence cooperation remains a cornerstone. In November 2025, during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Bahrain, both sides agreed to deepen ties in training, logistics, manpower, and defence production. Earlier, in September 2025, Bahrain’s Interior Minister visited Pakistan, leading to agreements on counter-terrorism, anti-narcotics, and immigration.
Trade figures underscore the potential. Bilateral trade volume has grown from $500 million to around $1 billion in recent years. Pakistan exports agriculture, food items, livestock, fisheries, and surgical instruments to Bahrain. The Pakistan-GCC Free Trade Agreement is expected to further boost this.
Background
Pakistan and Bahrain share deep-rooted ties based on religion and culture. Diplomatic relations date back to 1971, with consistent high-level visits reinforcing them.
In 2025, over 151,000 Pakistani workers went to Gulf countries in the first three months alone, with 939 heading to Bahrain. These expatriates send substantial remittances, supporting Pakistan’s economy.
Previous engagements include the Bahrain-Pakistan Joint Military Committee sessions in September 2025, where military leaders discussed enhanced cooperation. In March 2024, Bahrain’s National Guard Commander met President Zardari, and in 2023, he received a Pakistani military award.
The November 2025 visit by Prime Minister Sharif resulted in pledges to deepen economic and defence ties. Contracts worth $13 million were signed at the Pakistan-Bahrain Investment Summit in May 2025.
These interactions highlight Bahrain’s role in Pakistan’s foreign policy, particularly in South Asia where Gulf alliances aid energy security and investment.
The President Zardari Bahrain visit continues this trajectory. In September 2025, President Zardari met Bahrain’s Interior Minister, calling for more cooperation in security and narcotics control.
What’s Next
Over the remaining days of the Zardari Bahrain official trip, President Zardari will engage in formal talks. Outcomes may include new agreements on trade or security.
The visit ends on Friday, January 16, 2026. Follow-up could involve joint committees or reciprocal visits.
The President Zardari Bahrain visit reinforces longstanding bonds and opens avenues for future collaboration.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, January 14th, 2026
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