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

Pakistan and Jordan reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening strategic and economic cooperation and expanding mutually beneficial engagement, while maintaining their principled positions on post-war Gaza, including “zero tolerance” for Palestinian displacement.

This commitment was made during a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein of Jordan 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 the areas of trade, investment, health, science and technology, education and the defense sector.

The meeting was also marked by an in-depth exchange of views on regional security and ongoing peace initiatives. The two sides agreed to strengthen 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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Prime Minister Shehbaz welcomed the Jordanian monarch’s visit, describing it as a testimony to the enduring friendship between the two nations. He also informed the King of recent regional developments, particularly those concerning Afghanistan and India.

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

After the meeting, the two leaders attended a ceremony to exchange memorandums of understanding in the areas of media, culture and education. The Prime Minister then hosted a banquet in honor of the visiting monarch and his delegation.

Later, in an article on

“I am delighted to welcome and meet my brother, His Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein this evening. It was an honor 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 about the recent developments in Pakistan’s neighborhood and Islamabad’s efforts to maintain peace and security in the region.

The meeting also saw 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 to achieve our common goals of peace, progress and prosperity,” concluded Prime Minister Shehbaz.

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 Prime Minister Shehbaz. Minister of 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 King of Jordan. He was accompanied by a high-level delegation.

This is the first visit by a Jordanian leader to Pakistan in over two decades. The trip, undertaken at the invitation of Prime Minister Chehbaz, aims to deepen bilateral cooperation.

During a respect ceremony, Pakistan Air Force JF-17 Thunder aircraft escorted the royal plane as it entered Pakistani airspace and continued to Islamabad.

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