ISLAMABAD, 22 December 2006 — Visiting Crown Prince of Bahrain Sheikh Salman ibn Hamad Al-Khalifa held talks with President Gen. Pervez Musharraf here yesterday.
An official statement issued after the talks said Musharraf told Salman that present-day socioeconomic challenges of the world warranted collective approach by the Muslim Ummah. He said Islamic states have to attain excellence in science and technology and jointly work for economic development.
“We cannot remain ignorant of a rapidly developing world and our approach should be to overcome all the problems faced by the Muslim Ummah.” The president said the Islamic world is blessed with vast resources. He said the need of the time is greater unity and a sense of understanding among the Islamic states.
Musharraf said Islamic states will have to forge bilateral and multilateral arrangements to improve trade and economic ties.
The president told Salman that Pakistan wanted a negotiated end to the standoff on the Iranian nuclear program.
During the meeting, Musharraf briefed the Bahraini crown prince on Pakistan’s economic development and available investment opportunities. “We will welcome more investment from Bahrain,” he said.
On Wednesday Pakistan and Bahrain signed two memorandums of understanding relating to economic cooperation, investment, cooperation in defense and annual consultations on foreign affairs.
Later Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz hosted a dinner for the crown prince. Speaking at the banquet, Aziz said: “Bahrain will continue to serve as an anchor of peace and stability in the region.” He called for an early resolution of Palestine issue and said “we are concerned about the deteriorating situation in Iraq.”
In his speech, Salman appreciated Musharraf’s initiatives for a resolution of the Kashmir dispute and normalization of relations with India. Salman arrived here Wednesday on a three-day official visit.
