ISI chief meets Bahrain's crown prince, discusses regional and international developments: report

Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Director General Lt Gen Muhammad Asim Malik met Bahrain’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa on Sunday to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation and exchange views on regional and international developments.

According to Bahrain News Agency, the meeting took place at Riffa Palace, the official royal residence. The crown prince, who also serves as commander of Bahrain’s armed forces, highlighted the strong and growing relationship between Pakistan and Bahrain, describing it as based on shared interests and common objectives.

He stressed the importance of expanding coordination and cooperation across different sectors to promote the development and prosperity of both countries. The two sides also discussed matters of mutual interest, along with the latest developments affecting the region and the wider international community.

The Bahraini crown prince particularly acknowledged Pakistan’s important role, together with its allies, in promoting regional peace, security and stability.

Lt Gen Asim Malik expressed appreciation for the crown prince’s efforts to strengthen relations between the two countries and conveyed his best wishes for Bahrain’s continued progress and prosperity.

Several senior Bahraini officials attended the meeting, including the minister of the prime minister’s court, finance minister, deputy interior minister, deputy national security adviser and deputy secretary general of the Supreme Defence Council.

The meeting comes amid increased diplomatic and defence engagement between Pakistan and Bahrain. Earlier this month, Bahraini Foreign Minister Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani spoke by telephone with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.

He congratulated Pakistan on the signing of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement and expressed his intention to visit Pakistan.

In June, Bahrain’s National Guard commander, General Shaikh Mohammad bin Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, visited Pakistan and met Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi.

Discussions focused on expanding military cooperation. During the visit, the Bahraini commander also held meetings with Pakistan’s air and naval chiefs, further highlighting the growing defence partnership between the two countries.