Bahrain, Pakistan Reinforce Military Ties

Mahir Haneef

TDT| Manama

On a significant day at Sakhir Air Base, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Deputy King, met with Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff of the Pakistan Air Force, reinforcing the strategic and longstanding military partnership between Bahrain and Pakistan.

This meeting underscored Bahrain’s dedication, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, to strengthen alliances with regional partners to address shared security goals.

In welcoming Air Chief Sidhu, HRH the Deputy King commended Pakistan’s participation in the Bahrain International Airshow, noting the shared commitment to defence cooperation. Against a backdrop of increasing regional challenges, the Deputy King emphasized the historic ties between Bahrain and Pakistan, especially within the military and defence sectors, which have only deepened through sustained collaboration and mutual support.

In recognition of Air Chief Sidhu’s contributions to advancing Bahrain-Pakistan defence relations, His Royal Highness, on behalf of His Majesty the King, awarded him the Bahrain Medal - First Class. This honour highlighted Bahrain’s appreciation of Pakistan’s active role in safeguarding regional peace, often standing alongside allied countries in strategic and peacekeeping initiatives. Discussions during the meeting touched on regional developments and the potential for further cooperation in military and defence, essential to both nations’ security objectives.

Air Chief Sidhu, in return, expressed gratitude to His Majesty the King and commended the Deputy King’s leadership in strengthening this enduring partnership. He extended his wishes for Bahrain’s continued prosperity and pledged Pakistan’s ongoing commitment to this alliance, especially in the pursuit of a stable and secure region. Several senior officials were present, marking the occasion as a reaffirmation of the close and cooperative ties between Bahrain and Pakistan.