ISLAMABAD — Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan has praised the wise and balanced policies of Bahrain's King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa and his tireless efforts in supporting and defending Arab and Islamic causes at all regional and international forums and in a manner that serves the interests of the peoples of the Arab and Islamic worlds.

The Pakistani leader also affirmed his deep appreciation of the friendship and cooperation between his country and Bahrain, stressing they are witnessing remarkable growth and development across all fields.

Khan, who recalled with pride his first visit to Bahrain in 2019 after becoming prime minister, expressed keenness to widen the scope of the relations and cooperation between the two countries.

PM Khan was speaking as he received Arab Parliament Speaker Adel Al Assoomi and a delegation from the parliament visiting Pakistan for high-levels talks on Arab and Islamic issues of shared interest.

He emphasized the friendship and cooperation that bind him with the kings and heads of Arab countries and that are reflected in the mutual visits and coordination among them.

Khan emphasized the congruence of views between the Arab countries and Pakistan, especially with regard to the call to strengthen constructive dialogue in resolving all crises, support efforts to enhance security and stability in the Arab and the Asian regions, and seek to achieve sustainable economic security.

The phenomenon of Islamophobia represents a common challenge faced by the Arab and Islamic worlds, which requires concerted efforts in order to confront and overcome it, he said.

Al Assoomi affirmed the Arab Parliament’s interest in strengthening relations between the Arab countries and Pakistan, especially in light of the existence of promising prospects and opportunities for comprehensive cooperation between the two sides, especially in the economic field.

They include exploring investment opportunities, exchanging experiences with regard to national plans for sustainable development, diversifying the fields of economy, strengthening trade partnerships, and establishing joint coordination councils between Arab countries and Pakistan, he added.

The Gulf-Pakistan relations represent a promising model for developing and strengthening Arab relations with Pakistan in all fields, the Speaker said.

Al Assoomi said that the convergence of views between the Arab and Pakistani sides represents a constructive move into closer cooperation between Arab and Islamic countries, especially with regard to efforts to combat terrorism and extremism and to confront Islamophobia, as well as to consolidate mutual support for Arab and Islamic issues of common interest. — BNA