Islamabad, Amman reject Palestinian displacement; Prime Minister, King of Jordan vows to improve relations
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcome King Abdullah II of Jordan upon his arrival in Islamabad. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and First Lady Aseefa Bhutto are also seen in the picture. Photo: Online
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan and Jordan on Saturday discussed further deepening of bilateral relations as well as exploring opportunities for increased cooperation in economy, trade, investment, health, science and technology, education and defense sectors.
The issues were discussed during a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and visiting dignitary King Abdullah II at PM House.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening strategic and economic ties between Pakistan and Jordan, as well as expanding mutually beneficial cooperation in regional and international fora.
The Prime Minister welcomed King Abdullah II’s visit to Pakistan and highlighted it as a testament to the enduring friendship between Pakistan and Jordan.
The King praised Pakistan’s consistent support for Jordan’s role in regional stability and humanitarian efforts during the Gaza conflict as well as post-war Gaza.
The meeting also featured an extensive exchange of views on regional security and peace initiatives.
On the issue of Palestine, both leaders recognized the unanimity of views and principled positions taken by Pakistan and Jordan regarding post-war Gaza; zero tolerance for any displacement of Palestinians from Gaza.
The two leaders 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.
The Prime Minister also updated King Abdullah on the latest developments in Pakistan’s neighbourhood, particularly Afghanistan and India.
The Jordanian king acknowledged Pakistan’s key role in maintaining peace and stability in the region.
He thanked the people and government of Pakistan for their warm hospitality during his visit to Pakistan.
Both dignitaries witnessed an exchange ceremony in the MoU in the fields of media, culture and education.
The Prime Minister also hosted a banquet in his honor and the accompanying delegation.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ataullah Tarar, Minister for Climate Change Dr. Musaddiq Malik and senior government officials were also part of the delegation.
Earlier, Jordan’s King Abdullah II was warmly received by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari on his arrival in Pakistan on Saturday for a two-day state visit.
It was the first official visit by a Jordanian monarch in 21 years.
As the king’s aircraft entered Pakistani airspace, a formation of Pakistan Air Force JF-17 Thunder aircraft provided a protective escort and accompanied the royal flight to Islamabad.
President Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif received the King at Nur Khan Airbase. First Lady Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, members of the Federal Cabinet and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari were also present on the occasion.
Expressing his views on the occasion, President Zardari said that King Abdullah II’s visit would give Pakistan-Jordan relations a new strategic dimension. He added that the ties between the two countries are built on historical brotherhood, mutual trust and shared values.
The King later arrived at the Prime Minister’s House, where Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif warmly received the King of Jordan Abdullah II during a dignified reception at the Prime Minister’s House.
A smartly attended contingent of the armed forces presented a guard of honor to the visiting dignitary.
The king inspected the honor guard. National anthems from the two countries were also played on the occasion.
The King was introduced to the members of the Federal Cabinet, while the Prime Minister was introduced to the Jordanian delegation.
The King of Jordan planted a young tree in the premises of the Prime Minister’s House.
The Jordanian monarch’s last visit to Pakistan was at the invitation of former president Mamnoon Hussain.
MoUs
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and King Abdullah II attended a ceremony for the exchange of memorandum of understanding and agreements in the fields of media, culture and education.
The four documents included the Program for Cultural Cooperation, the MOU for the establishment of chairs of Urdu and Pakistan Studies at the University of Jordan and two agreements between Pakistan Television Corporation, Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation and Jordan Radio and Television Corporation.
From the Pakistani side, the MOUs were exchanged by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar and Federal Ministers Attaullah Tarar and Dr. Musadik Malik.
From Jordan, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi exchanged the documents.
