Islamabad; Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi today warmly received Bahraini Interior Minister Lieutenant General Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa at the Ministry of Interior in Islamabad, where the two leaders later held a meeting to discuss matters of mutual interest.
Delegation-level talks were also held between the Interior Ministers of Pakistan and Bahrain, during which detailed discussions took place on Pakistan–Bahrain relations and cooperation in the fields of counter-narcotics, counter-terrorism, coast guards, border security, and police.
Both sides agreed to establish a Joint Working Group to further strengthen cooperation. They also agreed to sign MoUs in counter-narcotics, extradition and mutual legal assistance, police training, and special battalion training.
The two ministers emphasized enhanced collaboration in counter-terrorism, counter-narcotics, and immigration.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said that cooperation in counter-narcotics is of utmost importance as it is a matter concerning the future of upcoming generations. He noted that Pakistan’s ANF, despite limited resources, has performed commendably and made the largest-ever drug recovery worth 146 million dollars. He added that this cooperation will help formulate a joint strategy in the fight against narcotics.
The Interior Minister further welcomed Bahrain’s decision to appoint a Drug Liaison Officer at its embassy, terming it a positive step. He highlighted that the Pakistani community of more than 120,000 in Bahrain is playing a valuable role in the progress of both countries.
On this occasion, Bahraini Interior Minister Lieutenant General Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa said that Bahrain attaches great importance to its brotherly ties with Pakistan and is keen to strengthen relations in all sectors. He stated that the establishment of the Joint Working Group and the signing of MoUs would further promote cooperation between the two nations.
The meeting was attended by members of the Bahraini delegation, Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry, Federal Secretary Interior, Special Secretary Interior, Additional Secretaries Interior, DG ANF, Commandant NPA, Chief Commissioner Islamabad, and IG Islamabad Police.
