Pakistan and Jordan have reaffirmed the commitment to enhance their strategic and economic ties and expand mutually beneficial collaboration at regional and international fora, reported 24NewsHD TV Channel.
The affirmation came during meeting between Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and King of Jordan King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein at Prime Minister House, Islamabad on Saturday.
The discussions focused on further deepening bilateral relations and exploring avenues for enhanced cooperation in economy, trade, investment, health, science and technology, education and defence sector. The meeting also featured a comprehensive exchange of views on regional security and peace initiatives. The two leaders agreed to enhance coordination among the eight Arab Islamic countries that are working with the United States on Gaza ceasefire and Gaza Peace Plan signed in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt.
Both leaders acknowledged the unanimity of views and principled positions taken by their countries regarding the post-war Gaza which includes zero-tolerance for any displacement of Palestinians from Gaza.
The King of Jordan praised Pakistan's consistent support for his country's role in regional stability and humanitarian efforts during the Gaza conflict and in post- war Gaza.
The Prime Minister welcomed King Abdullah II's visit to Pakistan, highlighting it as a testament to the enduring friendship between Pakistan and Jordan.
He also updated the King on recent developments in Pakistan's neighbourhood, especially Afghanistan and India.
The King acknowledged Pakistan's key role in maintaining peace and stability in the region.
Both dignitaries witnessed an MoU exchange ceremony in the fields of media, culture, and education. The Prime Minister also hosted a banquet in honour of the King and his accompanying delegation.
Meanwhile, Pakistan and Jordan have exchanged four Memoranda of Understanding for cooperation in culture, media and education.
The MoUs were exchanged at a ceremony held at Prime Minister House, Islamabad on Saturday witnessed by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and King of Jordan King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein.
These include Program for Cultural Cooperation between Pakistan and Jordan, establishment of Urdu and Pakistan Studies chairs at University of Jordan, agreement between Pakistan Television and Jordan Radio and Television Corporation and agreement for cooperation between Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation and Jordan Radio and Television Corporation.
Earlier, King of Jordan, King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein arrived at the Prime Minister House in Islamabad on Saturday where he was accorded a grand and warmest of welcomes by the Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.
During the official welcoming ceremony, the visiting dignitary was presented with a Guard of Honour by a smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Armed Forces. In a traditional exchange of pleasantries, the Jordanian King introduced Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to his delegation while the Prime Minister reciprocated by introducing the King to his cabinet members..
King Abdullah II also planted a sapling in the grounds of Prime Minister House. Earlier, at the start of ceremony, national anthems of both the countries were also played.
Earlier, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif received the King of Jordan, King Abdullah II on his arrival in Pakistan on Saturday.
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.
It said the Jordanian king proceeded to the Prime Minister’s House, where was presented with a guard of honor. He will hold a bilateral meeting with PM Shehbaz, followed by a meeting at the delegation level.
This visit of King Abdullah II will further solidify the longstanding relations between Pakistan and Jordan and will prove instrumental in expanding the scope of bilateral cooperation between the two brotherly countries. During his visit, King Abdullah will hold meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari and the Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.
During the meetings, complete range of bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries will be discussed.A special investiture ceremony to confer the highest civilian award upon His Majesty will also take place at Aiwan-e-Sadr.This high-level visit reflects the longstanding, fraternal relations between Pakistan and Jordan.
It will serve to further strengthen the strategic direction of Pakistan-Jordan relations and place them on a higher trajectory, encompassing a comprehensive and broad-based partnership in the political, economic and cultural spheres.