Foreign Minister: Dialogue, peaceful approach best means to resolve Pakistani-Indian dispute

Islamabad, Apr. 9 (BNA): Minister of Foreign Affairs, Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, affirmed the deep-rooted relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan at all levels and in all fields. He also expressed his satisfaction with the deep and ongoing development of joint cooperation for the common interests of the two friendly countries and peoples. At the conclusion of his visit to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Minister of Foreign Affairs added that he had met the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Arif Alvi, Prime Minister Imran Khan, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, as well as Chief of Army Staff of the Pakistan Army, General Qamar Javed Bajwa. He conveyed to them the sincere greetings of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and those of His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier, and their wishes of further progress and prosperity for the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. The minister also stressed that the discussions that had taken place during his visit to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan were constructive and productive. He noted that these discussions addressed matters related to relations between the two countries and means of enhancing cooperation at the economic, political and security levels. He also added that the two sides signed the Protocol amending the Convention for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income and capital between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohamed Al Khalifa also praised the efforts exerted by the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to establish peace and security. He also called upon the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Republic of India to adopt dialogue as a means of discussing issues between them and as an approach to resolving any disputes, as well as pursuing diplomatic and peaceful methods as an approach of maintaining regional and international security and stability. The Minister of Foreign Affairs pointed out that the continuation of coordination and communication between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan at all levels, on all regional and international issues, and in different international forums will contribute to achieving their common interests and support their efforts in establishing peace and development.