Pakistan, Jordan vow to boost strategic, economic ties

ISLAMABAD: Jordan’s King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein arrived in Pakistan on Saturday for a two-day official visit from November 15-16.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed King Abdullah II upon his arrival at the PAF Base Nur Khan in Rawalpindi.

First Lady Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and other officials were also present to welcome the Jordan’s king.

President Zardari expressed the hope that King Abdullah II’s visit would “give bilateral relations a new strategic dimension”.

The ties between the two countries are based on historical brotherhood, mutual trust and shared values, he added.

Shortly after his arrival, King Abdullah II proceeded to the Prime Minister House, where he was presented with a guard of honour.

During his visit, King Abdullah II will hold a bilateral meeting with PM Shehbaz, followed by a meeting at the delegation level, the Foreign Office (FO) said.

The FO confirmed the Jordanian leader’s visit on Friday, with a special investiture ceremony scheduled at the Aiwan-e-Sadr (President House) to confer the highest civilian award upon King Abdullah II. King Abdullah II’s visit to Pakistan comes a month after Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir visited the country.

During his visit, Field Marshal Munir met King Abdullah II and the country’s military leaders, discussing defence and security cooperation.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met His Majesty King Abdullah II, King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The prime minister received the visiting dignitary at the Prime Minister’s House.

The discussions during the meeting focused on further deepening bilateral relations as well as exploring avenues for enhanced cooperation in the economic, trade, investment, health, science and technology, education as well as defence sectors. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing strategic and economic ties between Pakistan and Jordan, as well as expanding mutually beneficial collaboration at regional and international fora. The prime minister welcomed His Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein’s visit to Pakistan, highlighting it as a testament to the enduring friendship between Pakistan and Jordan. His Majesty King Abdullah II praised Pakistan’s consistent support for Jordan’s role in regional stability and humanitarian efforts during the Gaza conflict as well as post-war Gaza. The meeting also featured a comprehensive exchange of views on regional security and peace initiatives.

On the issue of Palestine, both leaders acknowledged the unanimity of views and principled positions taken by Pakistan and Jordan regarding the post-war Gaza and zero-tolerance for any displacement of Palestinians from Gaza. The two leaders agreed to enhance coordination among the eight Arab Islamic countries that are working with the US on the Gaza ceasefire and Gaza Peace Plan signed in Sharm el Sheikh.

The prime minister also updated King Abdullah II of Jordan on recent developments in Pakistan’s neighborhood, especially Afghanistan and India. Jordanian King Abdullah-II acknowledged Pakistan’s key role in maintaining peace and stability in the region.

His Majesty King Abdullah II thanked the people and Government of Pakistan for their warm hospitality during his visit to Pakistan. Both the dignitaries witnessed an MoU exchange ceremony in the field of media, culture and education.

The prime minister also hosted a banquet in honour of King Abdullah-II and the accompanying delegation.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Minister for Information & Broadcasting Ataullah Tarar, Minister for Climate Change Dr Musaddiq Malik and senior government officials were also part of the delegation.