ISLAMABAD - Secretary Defence Lt Gen (Retd) Asif Yasin Malik during his two-day visit to Kingdom of Bahrain met Sheikh Muhammad bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister State of Defence, and Commander of US Naval Forces in Central Command Vice Admiral Miller, who is also commander of the US fifth fleet based at Bahrain. 
Secretary defence discussed regional security dynamics with the Minister of State of Defence Bahrain, highlighting the worsening situation in Syria and Iraq and its possible fallouts for the region. 
He also briefed the host on emerging security situation in Afghanistan, US/ ISAF drawdown and need for renewed commitment of the world community for stable Afghanistan. 
He also apprised the Bahraini minister about the role played and sacrifices rendered by Pakistan during the ongoing war against terrorism. 
Sheikh Muhammad bin Abdullah Al Khalifa appreciated the Pakistan’s efforts for larger regional and global interests and ensured full cooperation from Government of Bahrain in field of defence.  The two sides also discussed the future scope of cooperation in defence production. 
During his meeting with Vice Admiral J W Miller, while lauding the role of Pakistan Navy in support of coalition operations, thanked the Pakistani government for its consistent support in maintaining maritime stability in the region.
The secretary defence was also flown aboard USS George W Bush, (CVN-77), the latest aircraft carrier in US Naval inventory operating in the Gulf of Oman. 
Apart from witnessing carrier operations, the secretary defence was also briefed on latest maritime challenges in the region and need for the regional navies, including Pakistan to augment the maritime defence in the Indian Ocean region.