Pakistan and Jordan on Saturday reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening strategic, economic, and diplomatic ties, with both sides pledging to expand cooperation at regional and global forums. The development came during a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Jordan’s King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein, who arrived in Pakistan on a two-day official visit, according to state broadcaster PTV.
The two leaders underscored the importance of deepening bilateral relations and exploring new avenues of collaboration in trade, investment, health, education, defence, and cultural exchanges. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar were also present during the talks.
Prime Minister Shehbaz described the visit as a reflection of the “enduring friendship between Pakistan and Jordan.” King Abdullah II, in turn, appreciated Pakistan’s continued support for Jordan’s humanitarian efforts in Gaza.
Both leaders reiterated their principled stance on the Gaza crisis, emphasising their opposition to any forced relocation of Palestinians. They also discussed strengthening coordination among the eight Arab-Islamic nations engaging with the United States on securing a ceasefire.
PM Shehbaz briefed King Abdullah II on regional developments, particularly the situations in Afghanistan and India. The Jordanian monarch acknowledged Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting peace and stability in the region.
During the visit, both sides attended a ceremony to exchange memorandums of understanding (MoUs) aimed at enhancing cooperation in media, culture, and education. The prime minister later hosted a dinner for the Jordanian king and his delegation.
Earlier, King Abdullah II received a guard of honour at the Prime Minister’s House upon his arrival in Islamabad. He was welcomed at PAF Base Nur Khan by President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, alongside First Lady Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, and other dignitaries.
President Zardari expressed hope that the visit would impart “a new strategic dimension” to Pakistan–Jordan relations, noting that ties between the two nations are rooted in historical brotherhood, mutual trust, and shared values.
A special ceremony is scheduled at Aiwan-e-Sadr to confer Pakistan’s highest civilian award on King Abdullah II. His visit follows Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir’s recent trip to Jordan, during which he met the Jordanian monarch and senior military leadership to discuss defence and security cooperation.
