King Abdullah II arrives in Islamabad on first state visit in 21 years PM Shehbaz, King Abdullah agree to enhance coordination among Arab, Islamic countries on Trump’s Gaza Peace Plan Pakistan, Jordan ink four MoUs on culture, media, education.
ISLAMABAD – King of Jordan Abdullah II and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday vowed zero-tolerance for any displacement of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip.
PM Shehbaz Sharif hosted King Abdullah in Islamabad after he arrived on a two-day state visit. “On the issue of Palestine, both leaders acknowledged the unanimity of views and principled positions taken by Pakistan and Jordan regarding the post-war Gaza; zero-tolerance for any displacement of Palestinians from Gaza,” PM’s Office said in a statement late Saturday.
The two leaders agreed to enhance coordination among the eight Arab-Islamic countries that are working with the US on the Gaza ceasefire and peace plan, which includes a new governance structure and rebuilding of the enclave destroyed by Israel.
The two sides also discussed further deepening of bilateral relations as well as exploring avenues for enhanced cooperation in the economic, trade, investment, health, science and technology, education, as well as defense sectors.
The Jordanian King arrived earlier in the day for a state visit, receiving a welcome from President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Sharif to discuss the full spectrum of bilateral ties. Pakistan and Jordan, which have long enjoyed close relations, are part of discussions on President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan alongside Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Indonesia, Türkiye and the United Arab Emirates earlier this year in September.
Upon his arrival, King Abdullah was given a guard of honour at the Prime Minister’s House before both leaders held wide-ranging talks on regional security and peace initiatives.
“The Prime Minister welcomed His Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein’s visit to Pakistan, highlighting it as a testament to the enduring friendship between Pakistan and Jordan,” said a statement released by PM Office after the meeting.
“The two leaders agreed to enhance coordination among the eight Arab [and] Islamic countries that are working with the US on the Gaza ceasefire and the Gaza Peace Plan signed in Sharm el Sheikh,” the statement said.
A formation of Pakistan Air Force JF-17 Thunder jets escorted the royal aircraft as it entered Pakistani airspace en route to Islamabad on Saturday. According to a separate presidential statement, this marks the first official visit by a Jordanian king to Pakistan in 21 years.
The visit reflects the long-standing brotherly ties between Pakistan and Jordan and is expected to strengthen bilateral relations, said the statement.
President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Federal Minister for Climate Change Musaddiq Malik and Minister of State for Education Wajiha Qamar received the Jordanian monarch and his high-level delegation at Islamabad Airport.
The king had lauded last month the Pakistani military’s contributions to regional peace and security in a meeting with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir.
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.
A smartly turned out contingent of the Armed Forces presented guard of honour to the visiting dignitary. The King of Jordan inspected the guard of honour. National anthems of the two countries were also played on the occasion. The King of Jordan 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 sapling in the premises of the Prime Minister House.
