ISLAMABAD, May 3: Pakis-tan and Bahrain on Saturday agreed to develop and intensify broad-based cooperation in the areas of defence, trade and economy.

An understanding to this effect emerged during a meeting between Defence Minister Chaudhry Ahmad Mukhtar and visiting commander of Bahrain National Guards

Maj-Gen Shaikh Mohammad Bin Isa al-Khalifa.

The two sides exchanged views on matters pertaining to defence cooperation and underscored the need for enhanced cooperation in the areas of common interest.

The minister told the visiting dignitary that Pakistan and the Kingdom of Bahrain enjoyed excellent relationship based on common values, shared religious background and interests which needed to be strengthened for the mutual benefit of the two countries.

The participants of the meeting noted that it was essential to promote military-to-military cooperation and also to enhance cooperation in the area of training.

The commander of Bahrain National Guards told the defence minister that his country strongly supported the counter-terrorism efforts made by Pakistan.

The minister appreciated the support provided by Bahrain for the development of social and economic sectors of Pakistan.

Maj-Gen Shaikh Mohammad Bin Isa al-Khalifa congratulated the minister on assuming the charge of defence ministry.

He also extended an invitation to him to visit Bahrain, which the minister accepted.