Pakistan, Jordan seek ‘new strategic dimension’ in ties as King Abdullah II visits Islamabad

Pakistan and Jordan reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen strategic and economic cooperation and expand mutually beneficial engagement, while upholding principled positions on post-war Gaza, including ‘zero tolerance’ for the displacement of Palestinians.

The commitment was made during a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Jordan’s King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein on Saturday at the prime minister’s House in Islamabad. The two leaders discussed ways to further deepen bilateral relations and explored avenues for enhanced collaboration in trade, investment, health, science and technology, education, and the defence sector.

The meeting also featured an extensive exchange of views on regional security and ongoing peace initiatives. Both sides agreed to step up coordination among the eight Arab Islamic countries working with the United States on the Gaza ceasefire and the Gaza Peace Plan signed in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt.

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PM Shehbaz welcomed the Jordanian monarch’s visit, describing it as a testament to the enduring friendship between the two nations. He also briefed the King on recent regional developments, particularly those concerning Afghanistan and India.

The two leaders reaffirmed their shared position on post-war Gaza, including a zero-tolerance stance on any displacement of Palestinians. King Abdullah II praised Pakistan’s consistent support for Jordan’s role in regional stability and its humanitarian efforts during the Gaza conflict and in the post-war phase. He also acknowledged Pakistan’s role in maintaining peace and stability in the region.

Following the meeting, both leaders witnessed an MoU exchange ceremony in the fields of media, culture and education. The prime minister later hosted a banquet in honour of the visiting monarch and his delegation.

Later, in a post on X, the premier described the engagement as a “warm and cordial meeting”, noting that both sides explored avenues to expand cooperation with a stronger focus on trade, investment, education and technology.

“Delighted to host and meet my brother, His Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein this evening. It was an honour to receive him in Islamabad earlier today,” he wrote.

The two countries also reaffirmed their commitment to regional peace and stability, with particular emphasis on the implementation of the Gaza Peace Plan signed in Sharm el Sheikh.

The prime minister said he briefed the Jordanian monarch on recent developments in Pakistan’s neighbourhood and Islamabad’s efforts to uphold peace and security in the region.

The meeting also witnessed the signing of four memorandums of understanding and agreements covering media, culture and education.

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“Alhamdulilah, Pakistan and Jordan are moving forward together for achieving our shared objectives of peace, progress and prosperity,” PM Shehbaz concluded.

Earlier, King Abdullah II arrived in Islamabad for a two-day official visit. Upon landing at Nur Khan Air Base, he was received by President Asif Ali Zardari and PM Shehbaz. Minister for Climate Change Senator Musadik Malik, Minister of State for Education Wajiha Qamar, First Lady Asifa Bhutto Zardari and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari were also present to welcome the Jordanian King. He was accompanied by a high-level delegation.

This marks the first visit by a Jordanian ruler to Pakistan in more than two decades. The trip, undertaken at the invitation of PM Shehbaz, aims at deepening bilateral cooperation.

In a ceremonial display of respect, Pakistan Air Force JF-17 Thunder jets escorted the royal aircraft as it entered Pakistani airspace and continued up to Islamabad.

In a statement, President Zardari said the visit would add “a new strategic dimension to bilateral ties,” noting that relations between Pakistan and Jordan are anchored in “historic brotherhood, mutual confidence and shared values.”