Pakistan, Jordan to coordinate on Gaza peace plan

Islamabad, Amman reject Palestinian displacement; PM, Jordan's king vow to enhance relations

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan and Jordan on Saturday discussed further deepening bilateral relations as well as exploring avenues for enhanced cooperation in the economic, trade, investment, health, science and technology, education, as well as defence sectors.

The issues were discussed during a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the visiting dignitary King Abdullah II at the PM House.

Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing strategic and economic ties between Pakistan and Jordan, as well as expanding mutually beneficial collaboration at regional and international fora.

The prime minister welcomed King Abdullah II's visit to Pakistan, highlighting 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 a comprehensive exchange of views on regional security, peace initiatives.

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.

The two leaders agreed to enhance coordination among the eight Arab Islamic countries that are working with the US on the Gaza ceasefire and the Gaza Peace Plan signed in Sharm El-Sheikh.

The prime minister also updated King Abdullah on recent developments in Pakistan's neighbourhood, especially Afghanistan and India.

The Jordanian king acknowledged Pakistan's key role in maintaining peace and stability in the region.

He thanked the people and the Government of Pakistan for their warm hospitality during his visit to Pakistan.

Both the dignitaries witnessed an MoU exchange ceremony in the field of media, culture and education.

The prime minister also hosted a banquet in his honour and the accompanying delegation.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Minister for Information & 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 King of Jordan Abdullah II during a dignified reception held at the Prime Minister House.

A smartly turned out contingent of the armed forces presented a guard of honour to the visiting dignitary.

The king inspected the guard of honour. National anthems of 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 sapling in the premises of the Prime Minister 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 witnessed an MoU and agreement exchange ceremony in the field of media, culture, and education.

The four documents included Programme for Cultural Cooperation, MOU for establishment of Chairs of Urdu and Pakistan Studies in the University of Jordan and two agreements between Pakistan Television Corporation, Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation and Jordan Radio and Television Corporation.

From the Pakistan 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 Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ayman Safadi exchanged the documents.