ISLAMABAD: Chief of Staff of the Bahrain National Guard, Major General Sheikh Abdul Aziz Bin Saud Al Khalifa, discussed bilateral cooperation and the security situation in Afghanistan with the Pakistan army chief, the Pakistan army’s media wing, ISPR, said in a statement on Tuesday evening.

This is the second high-level interaction between top generals of the two nations in a week. Pakistan’s Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff General Nadeem Raza visited Bahrain last week.

“During the meeting, matters of mutual interests, current security situation in Afghanistan and bilateral cooperation in various fields were discussed,” the Pakistan army said. “COAS [Pakistan army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa] said that Pakistan desires to maintain the tradition of bilateral engagement and wish for long term & multi-domain enduring relationship with Bahrain.”

“COAS emphasized that for regional peace and stability there is a need for global convergence on Afghanistan with coordinated efforts for economic uplift of the Afghan people,” ISPR said.

Al Khalifa “acknowledged the professionalism of Pakistan Armed Forces and vowed to enhance cooperation in various fields,” ISPR said. The visiting dignitary also appreciated Pakistan’s role in the Afghan situation, its “special efforts for border management and role in regional stability.”

Last week Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa welcomed growing defense cooperation with Islamabad during a meeting with General Raza.

The South Asian nation enjoys close ties with Bahrain, which is home to some 120,000 Pakistani expats.

A delegation of Bahrain’s Council of Representatives visited Islamabad late last month. In a meeting with Prime Minister Imran Khan, the visiting officials agreed to enhance cooperation in trade and investment. The prime minister also reaffirmed Pakistan’s desire to forge closer ties with the kingdom and invited its leadership to Islamabad.