Jordan, Pakistan decide to deepen cooperation
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Jordan on Saturday reaffirmed their resolve to deepen bilateral cooperation, with both sides expressing a strong desire to broaden engagement across economic, trade, investment, health, science and technology, education and defence sectors.
The renewed commitment came during a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Jordan’s King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein, who is undertaking a two-day official visit to Pakistan.
Welcoming the Jordanian monarch, Prime Minister Sharif said the visit reflected the “enduring friendship” between the two countries and offered an opportunity to expand cooperation at both regional and multilateral forums.
He noted that Pakistan attached great importance to its ties with Jordan and sought to build on shared positions on issues of regional peace and stability.
King Abdullah expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s steadfast support for Jordan’s diplomatic and humanitarian efforts regarding the ongoing Gaza conflict.
He also lauded Islamabad’s backing of Jordan’s role in post-war stabilization efforts in the besieged territory, where humanitarian conditions have continued to worsen.
The two leaders discussed at length the deteriorating situation in Gaza and reaffirmed their principled stance on the future of the enclave, emphasising that no arrangement should be allowed that could lead to the displacement of Palestinians.
They also agreed to step up coordination among eight Arab and Islamic countries that, together with the United States, have worked towards a ceasefire under the Gaza Peace Accord signed earlier this year in Sharm El-Sheikh.
A statement Issued by the Prime Minister’s Office said the talks also touched upon a wide range of regional issues, with the prime minister briefing King Abdullah on recent developments in Pakistan’s neighbourhood, particularly the evolving situation in Afghanistan and tensions with India.
King Abdullah acknowledged Pakistan’s role in promoting regional stability and countering security challenges in South Asia.
A formal ceremony was held after the meeting, during which several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were exchanged between the two governments to bolster cooperation in media, culture and education.
Both leaders witnessed the signing, which officials described as part of broader efforts to institutionalise collaboration between Islamabad and Amman. Prime Minister Sharif later hosted a dinner in honour of King Abdullah and his delegation, marking the conclusion of the first day of the monarch’s visit. The Jordanian king expressed gratitude for the hospitality extended to him and reaffirmed his country’s desire to further strengthen ties with Pakistan.
The meeting was attended by senior government and military officials, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Information Minister Ataullah Tarar, Climate Change Minister Musadik Malik, and other senior officials. Officials said the visit is expected to give new momentum to Pakistan-Jordan relations, with both sides looking to build on shared strategic interests and longstanding diplomatic goodwill. The king is scheduled to hold further engagements on Sunday (Nov 16) before concluding his visit.—ZULFIQAR AHMAD
