Jordan’s King Abdullah II has concluded a two-day official visit to Pakistan, the first by a Jordanian head of state in two decades. The two countries have described the high-level meetings as crucial in giving the relationship a “new strategic direction.”
Special Royal Reception
King Abdullah II’s aircraft was accorded a traditional escort by Pakistan Air Force JF-17 Thunder aircraft as it entered Pakistani airspace, while it was accorded a warm welcome by President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the Nur Khan Air Base.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the visit will “strengthen the long-standing relations between Pakistan and Jordan and open new doors of bilateral cooperation.”
High-level meetings and strategic dialogue
The meetings in Islamabad provided a comprehensive review of bilateral relations, with prominent topics including:
- Cooperation in the fields of trade, investment and health
- Joint projects in education, media and culture
- Defense exchanges and sharing of counter-terrorism experiences
Regional issues, especially the situation in Gaza, were also discussed in detail. Both countries strongly opposed the forced displacement of Palestinian citizens and agreed to adopt a joint strategy for peace.
Significant progress in defense cooperation
King Abdullah II visited the Tilla Field Firing Range and GIDS, where he was shown a practical demonstration of Pakistan’s defence capabilities. Army Chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and the Prime Minister were also present.
Exchange of MoUs and High Honors
Pakistan and Jordan signed agreements to enhance cooperation in several areas, including:
- Media cooperation between Pakistan Television and Jordan Radio TV
- Establishment of Urdu and Pakistan Studies Chairs at the University of Jordan
- Formal program of cultural cooperation
At the Presidential Palace, President Zardari awarded the Nishan-e-Pakistan to the King of Jordan, while the King conferred the highest honour of the Renaissance Medal on the President.
At the end of the visit, both countries clarified that relations would be further strengthened in the defence, diplomatic and social sectors in the future.
