Jordan’s King Abdullah II has arrived in Pakistan for a two-day state visit, during which Islamabad will confer its highest civilian award on the Jordanian monarch. The visit focuses on expanding bilateral cooperation across political, economic, cultural, and defence sectors, reinforcing a relationship that dates back to 1948.
ISLAMABAD: Jordan’s King Abdullah II arrived in Pakistan on Saturday for a significant two day state visit, marking a major diplomatic milestone as Islamabad prepares to confer its highest civilian award upon the visiting monarch. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif warmly received King Abdullah at the airport, underscoring the strength and depth of Pakistan Jordan ties.
According to official statements, the visit aims to enhance bilateral cooperation, with discussions to encompass the full spectrum of political, economic, defence, and cultural relations between the two countries.
“The full range of bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries will be discussed,” Pakistan’s Foreign Office said on Friday. A special investiture ceremony at Aiwan e Sadr will formally honor King Abdullah II with Pakistan’s highest civilian award, recognizing his leadership and commitment to regional peace and Pakistan Jordan partnership.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s office said the visit follows the premier’s personal invitation, adding:
“King Abdullah II’s visit to Pakistan reflects the long standing brotherly relations between Pakistan and Jordan. This visit will further strengthen the political, economic and cultural ties between the two countries.”
A Historic Relationship Rooted in Early Recognition
Jordan was the fifth country in the world to recognize Pakistan after its independence, establishing formal diplomatic relations in August 1948. Since then, the two nations have maintained close coordination on global and regional issues.
Both Pakistan and Jordan alongside Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, Egypt, Indonesia, and the UAE participated in diplomatic discussions related to former US President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan, reflecting their shared positions on matters concerning the Muslim world.
Growing Trade and People-to-People Links
Bilateral trade between the countries reached $46.58 million in 2023, according to the Pakistani embassy in Amman. Jordan also hosts a community of around 16,000 Pakistani nationals, contributing to its professional, technical, and labor sectors.
King Abdullah II is expected to hold meetings with the President, Prime Minister, and other senior officials to finalize new frameworks for bilateral cooperation, focusing on defence consultations, economic partnerships, investment, and regional stability.
The state visit is widely viewed as a pivotal step toward elevating Pakistan Jordan relations to a new strategic level.
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