Pakistan and Jordan seek ‘new strategic dimension’ in relations as King Abdullah II visits Islamabad

Pakistan and Jordan reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening strategic and economic cooperation and expanding mutually beneficial engagement, while maintaining principled positions on post-war Gaza, including “zero tolerance” for the displacement of Palestinians.

The commitment was made during a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Jordan’s King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein on Saturday at the Prime Minister House in Islamabad. The two leaders discussed ways to further deepen bilateral relations and explored avenues to enhance collaboration in trade, investment, health, science and technology, education and the defense sector.

The meeting also included a broad exchange of views on regional security and ongoing peace initiatives. Both sides agreed to intensify coordination between the eight Islamic Arab countries working with the United States on the Gaza ceasefire and the Gaza Peace Plan signed in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt.

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Prime Minister Shehbaz welcomed the Jordanian monarch’s visit, describing it as a testament to the long-standing friendship between the two nations. He also briefed the King on recent regional developments, particularly those related to Afghanistan and India.

The two leaders reaffirmed their shared position on post-war Gaza, including a zero-tolerance stance on any displacement of Palestinians. King Abdullah II praised Pakistan’s continued support for Jordan’s role in regional stability and its humanitarian efforts during the Gaza conflict and in the post-war phase. He also acknowledged Pakistan’s role in maintaining peace and stability in the region.

After the meeting, both leaders witnessed an MoU exchange ceremony in the fields of media, culture and education. Afterwards, the prime minister hosted a banquet in honor of the visiting monarch and his delegation.

Later, in a post on

“Delighted to receive and meet my brother, His Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein this afternoon. It was an honor to receive him today in Islamabad,” he wrote.

The two countries also reaffirmed their commitment to regional peace and stability, with special emphasis on the implementation of the Gaza Peace Plan signed in Sharm el Sheikh.

The prime minister said he briefed the Jordanian monarch about the recent developments in Pakistan’s neighborhood and Islamabad’s efforts to maintain peace and security in the region.

The meeting also witnessed the signing of four memorandums of understanding and agreements covering media, culture and education.

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“Alhamdulilah, Pakistan and Jordan are moving forward together to achieve our shared goals of peace, progress and prosperity,” concluded Prime Minister Shehbaz.

Earlier, King Abdullah II arrived in Islamabad for a two-day official visit. Upon landing at Nur Khan Air Base, he was received by President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz. Minister of Climate Change Senator Musadik Malik, Minister of State for Education Wajiha Qamar, First Lady Asifa Bhutto Zardari and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari were also present to welcome the King of Jordan. He was accompanied by a high-level delegation.

This is the first visit by a Jordanian ruler to Pakistan in more than two decades. The trip, undertaken at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz, aims to deepen bilateral cooperation.

In a ceremonial show of respect, JF-17 Thunder aircraft of the Pakistan Air Force escorted the royal aircraft as it entered Pakistani airspace and continued to Islamabad.

In a statement, President Zardari said the visit would add “a new strategic dimension to bilateral relations”, noting that Pakistan-Jordan relations are anchored on “historical brotherhood, mutual trust and shared values”.