The development came during a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Jordan’s King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein, who arrived in Pakistan earlier in the day for a two-day official visit, according to state broadcaster PTV.
Both leaders underscored the importance of strengthening bilateral ties and exploring new avenues of cooperation in trade, investment, health, education and defence.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar also attended the meeting.
PM Shehbaz welcomed King Abdullah II and described the visit as a testament to the enduring friendship between the two nations.
The Jordanian monarch expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s support for Jordan’s humanitarian efforts in Gaza. The two leaders reiterated their joint stance on the Gaza situation and voiced opposition to any attempt to relocate Palestinians from the besieged territory.
They also agreed to intensify coordination among the eight Arab Islamic countries that are engaging with the United States to secure a ceasefire in Gaza.
PM Shehbaz briefed King Abdullah II on Pakistan’s perspective regarding developments in the region, particularly in Afghanistan and India. The king acknowledged Islamabad’s contribution to regional peace and stability.
A ceremony for signing memorandums of understanding was also held, focusing on enhanced cooperation in media, culture and education. PM Shehbaz later hosted a dinner in honour of the Jordanian delegation.
Earlier in the day, King Abdullah II was presented with a guard of honour at the Prime Minister’s House. His arrival at PAF Base Nur Khan in Rawalpindi was marked by a reception attended by President Asif Ali Zardari, PM Shehbaz, First Lady Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and other senior officials.
President Zardari expressed hope that the visit would give bilateral relations a new strategic dimension. He highlighted the historical brotherhood, mutual trust and shared values that bind the two countries.
A special investiture ceremony is scheduled at Aiwan-e-Sadr where King Abdullah II will receive Pakistan’s highest civilian award.
The visit comes one month after Field Marshal Asim Munir travelled to Jordan. During that trip, he met King Abdullah II and senior Jordanian military officials to discuss defence and security cooperation.
