Islamabad: Jordan’s King Abdullah concluded his two-day visit to Pakistan on Friday after holding talks with key Pakistani leaders.
During his visit, the Jordanian ruler held meetings with President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi to discuss expansion of bilateral ties and enhance bilateral trade relations.
King Abdullah also met Pakistan’s Army Chief, Qamar Javed Bajwa, in the presence of Jordanian Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Lt. Gen. Mahmoud Freihat, to discuss defence cooperation and the regional security situation.
King Abdullah was, who arrived on February 8, was accompanied by Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Lt. General Mahmoud A. Freihat and other senior officials.
The king was received by President Mamnoon and a number of senior officials in Islamabad on Thursday.
A contingent of Pakistan’s armed forces presented the guard of honour to King Abdullah during a welcome ceremony.
In his meeting with President Mamnoon, King Abdullah agreed to enhance cooperation in the fields of trade, education and culture.
President Mamnoon said “Pakistan and Jordan are connected through deep political, cultural and historical links”. He also stressed upon a regular exchange of trade delegation between Pakistan and Jordan.
On Thursday, King Abdullah held talks with Pakistani PM Shahid Khaqan Abbasi at the PM House in Islamabad on bilateral ties and regional and international developments. The talks were followed by an expanded meeting attended by senior officials on both sides, discussions covered means to advance cooperation in political, economic, commercial, military, security and cultural areas.
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif, Minister for Housing and Works Akram Khan Durrani and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Jordan Junaid Rehmat, as well as other senior officials attended the meeting.
Pakistan and Jordan signed an agreement in the field of civil protection and Civil Defence, and a memorandum of understanding on public works and housing. The leaders agreed to enhance bilateral trade and investment relations, which currently stands at US$75 million (Dh275 million).
The two sides affirmed the deep, historical ties that Jordan and Pakistan share, as well as the importance of tapping opportunities to strengthen economic cooperation and increase trade exchange, especially in the fields of mining and fertilisers.
The leaders also discussed regional and international efforts to fight terrorism and counter threats to global peace.
King Abdullah reaffirmed Jordan’s appreciation of and support for Pakistan’s efforts to fight terrorism and extremism. He also stressed Jordan’s willingness to cooperate closely with Pakistan in this regard.
The two leaders reviewed situation in the Middle East in the aftermath of President Trump’s decision to recognise Occupied Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
Abbasi expressed Pakistan’s unequivocal support for the just cause of Palestine and reiterated Pakistan’s rejection of the US decision, the PM Office said.
King Abdullah stressed that the issue of Occupied Jerusalem must be settled within the framework of a comprehensive solution and urged the international community to shoulder its responsibilities to safeguard the rights of Palestinians, Arabs, Muslims, and Christians as it is key to regional peace and stability.
President Mamnoon valued “Jordan’s bold stance on the declaration of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel by the United States of America.”
Whereas, King Abdullah appreciated Pakistan’s stance regarding the resolution of challenges faced by Muslim Ummah.
The issue of Jammu and Kashmir was also discussed, highlighting the importance of reaching a political solution to the issue with India, in accordance with international law and relevant UN resolutions.
King Abdullah left Islamabad on Friday afternoon. A JF-17 Thunder aircraft flew past the venue to pay tribute to the visiting dignitary.
