Prime minister renews Pak support to Palestine’s cause

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Thursday expressed Pakistan’s unequivocal support for the just cause of Palestine and reiterated Pakistan’s rejection of the US decision of shifting its embassy to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv.

He was talking to King Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein of Jordan here. The King, who arrived here on a two-day visit, met with the prime minister at the Prime Minister’s House. King Abdullah held delegation level talks with the premier during which the two sides reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral relations and exchanged views on ways to further expand these relations in a variety of fields.

They agreed to bring greater focus on enhancing bilateral trade and investment relations, to make the bilateral trade currently at US $75 million, commensurate with the excellent political ties existing between Pakistan and Jordan.

The two leaders also reviewed the regional situation, with particular focus on the Middle East in the aftermath of recognition of Jerusalem by Washington as the capital of Israel. Abbasi expressed Pakistan’s unequivocal support for the just cause of Palestine and reiterated Pakistan’s rejection of the US decision.

He also briefed the visiting dignitary on the current situation along the Line of Control (LoC), Pakistan's counter-terrorism efforts and its commitment to regional peace and stability.

The two brotherly countries signed agreements in the field of civil protection and civil defence. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was also inked between the ministry of Housing and Works of Pakistan and Ministry of Public Works and Housing of Jordan.

King Abdullah II thanked the prime minister for the warm welcome accorded to him and his delegation. He also hosted a banquet in honor of the King and his delegation.

King Abdullah II is visiting Pakistan after 11 years. His visit is a reflection of the close brotherly relations that exist between Pakistan and Jordan. He has come with a brief delegation and will meet with President Mamnoon Hussain today (Friday) before returning home.