MANAMA — On behalf of Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Bahrain's Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa bestowed on Thursday the Bahrain Order (First Class) on Pakistani army chief Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa for making significant contributions to defense cooperation between Bahrain and Pakistan, the Bahrain News Agency reported.

Earlier in the day, the Pakistani army chief was received by the crown prince at Riffa Palace.

They discussed various aspects of bilateral ties, particularly within military and defense cooperation.

Crown Prince Salman lauded the strength of the relationship shared between both countries, and the role they play in promoting regional security and stability.

They also reviewed regional and international developments of mutual interest.

Gen. Bajwa expressed his appreciation to the Bahrani king for conferring upon him the Bahrain Order (First Class), as well as for the interest in developing Pakistani-Bahraini ties demonstrated by the crown prince.

Later in the day, Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defense Force (BDF) Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, received, at the BDF General Command, the Pakistani army chief and his accompanying delegation.

Bahrain’s Defense Minister Lt. Gen. Abdulla bin Hassan Al-Nuaimi and Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Dhiyab bin Saqr Al-Nuaimi, were present.

The commander-in-chief lauded the depth of the distinguished friendship relations between Bahrain and Pakistan, praising the steady progress of bilateral ties at all levels, especially regarding military coordination and defense cooperation. Issues of mutual concern were also discussed.

Lt. Gen. Dhiyab bin Saqr Al-Nuaimi hosted a lunch banquet in honor of Gen. Bajwa.

A number of senior BDF officers also attended the lunch banquet.

In a separate development, Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani held on Thursday a telephone call with his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi.

They reviewed the cooperation and friendly relations between the two countries, and the efforts made to strengthen the various aspects of cooperation and joint coordination for common interests.

A number of regional and international issues of mutual interest and developments in the region were also discussed.