According to a statement issued by the Inter Services Public Relations, the Jordanian monarch was accompanied by Princess Salma and a delegation of senior Jordanian officials. Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir received the royal guests along with other senior military leaders.
During the visit to GIDS, King Abdullah was briefed on the organisation’s structure, capabilities and defence production portfolio. The presentation highlighted Pakistan’s progress in indigenous defence manufacturing, technological innovation and prospects for enhanced defence cooperation between Pakistan and Jordan.
The Jordanian king later visited the Tilla Field Firing Ranges where Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif was also present. Azerbaijan Minister of Defence Industry Vugar Valeh oglu Mustafayev was among the distinguished observers at the event.
King Abdullah and other guests watched a joint fire and manoeuvre exercise that showcased multi domain operations. The demonstration included conventional firepower, air support, coordinated manoeuvres and spectrum warfare capabilities. Multi purpose drones were also employed in different configurations to display their operational utility.
King Abdullah expressed admiration for the high standards of training and the professional excellence displayed by the participating troops and aircrews.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the Jordanian monarch and said Pakistan holds deep respect for King Abdullah II and the people of Jordan. He added that the visit reflects long standing friendship, mutual trust and a shared commitment to peace and development.
Field Marshal Munir reaffirmed the strong defence partnership between the two countries and stressed continued collaboration guided by a shared vision for regional stability and peace.
During the visit, King Abdullah conferred the Order of the Military Merit of First Degree upon Field Marshal Munir in recognition of his efforts to strengthen bilateral military relations.
The two day visit is being regarded as an important step in reinforcing the historic bonds of fraternity and cooperation between Pakistan and Jordan.
In a separate ceremony at Aiwan e Sadr, President Asif Ali Zardari conferred Pakistan’s highest civilian award on King Abdullah II for his services to regional and international peace. The Jordanian king also bestowed upon President Zardari the Wisam al Nahdah al Mursa, also known as the Bejewelled Grand Cordon of Al Nahdah.
