Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif received Jordan’s King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein at the Prime Minister’s House on Saturday.
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 the king, highlighting it as a testament to the enduring friendship between Pakistan and Jordan. 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, 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; 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 U.S. on the Gaza ceasefire and the 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.
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 four documents included Programme for Cultural Cooperation, MOU for establishment of Chairs of Urdu and Pakistan Studies in the University of Jordan and two agreements between Pakistan Television Corporation, Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation and Jordan Radio and Television Corporation.
From the Pakistan side, the MOUs were exchanged by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar and federal ministers Attaullah Tarar and Dr Musadik Malik.
From Jordan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ayman Safadi exchanged the documents.
Later, the prime minister also hosted a banquet in honour of King Abdullah -?? and the accompanying delegation.
The King of Jordan was introduced to the members of the federal cabinet while the Prime Minister was introduced to the Jordanian delegation. The King of Jordan planted a sapling in the premises of the Prime Minister House.
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.
A smartly turned out contingent of the armed forces presented guard of honour to the visiting dignitary.
The King of Jordan inspected the guard of honour. National anthems of the two countries were also played on the occasion.
Earlier, King Abdullah II arrived in Pakistan on his first official visit by a Jordanian monarch in 21 years.
As the King’s aircraft entered Pakistani airspace, a formation of Pakistan Air Force JF-17 Thunder aircraft provided a protective escort and accompanied the royal flight to Islamabad.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif received the King at Nur Khan Airbase. First Lady Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, members of the federal cabinet and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari were also present on the occasion.
Expressing his views on the occasion, President Zardari said that King Abdullah II’s visit would give Pakistan-Jordan relations a new strategic dimension. He added that the ties between the two countries are built on historical brotherhood, mutual trust and shared values.