King Abdullah of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan visited Pakistan and held delegation level talks with the Prime Minister during which the two sides reviewed bilateral relations and exchanged views on ways to further expand these relations in all areas of mutual interest. According to statement issued by Ministry of Foreign Affairs, both sides agreed to bring greater focus on enhancing bilateral trade and investment relations in order to make the Pakistan-Jordan bilateral trade commensurate with the excellent political ties existing between Pakistan and Jordan. Prime Minister briefed the visiting dignitary on the current situation along the LoC, Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts and its commitment towards regional peace and stability. During his meeting with the President, the President recalled the contributions of the late King Hussein Bin Talal in fostering close ties between Pakistan and Jordan, for which he is remembered with reverence by the people of Pakistan. He appreciated the leadership of King Abdullah in promoting peace and stability in the Middle East. King Abdullah indicated his keen interest in strengthening economic ties with Pakistan stating that Jordanian businessmen would be visiting Pakistan soon to meet their Pakistani counterparts in this regard. He agreed with the President that both sides must enhance cooperation in education, culture, defence and through people to people contacts.
In this regard, further discussions would take place during the Pakistan-Jordan Joint Ministerial Commission to be held in March this year. Both sides reaffirmed that the legal status of Jerusalem based on Security Council and General Assembly resolutions and that the only legal solution is a viable, independent and contiguous State of Palestine on the basis of internationally agreed parameters, the pre-1967 borders and with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as the capital of the Palestinian State.
The Agreement between the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in the Field of Civil Protection and Civil Defence was signed. The Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Housing and Works of Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Ministry of Public Works and Housing of Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan was also signed.
King Abdullah’s visit is a reflection of the close brotherly relations existing between Pakistan and Jordan. Pakistan and Jordan are members of the G-11 group and can cooperate with each other to increase bilateral trade. Strengthening ties with Jordan is a positive step in Pakistan’s foreign policy. Pakistan should win Jordan’s support for the resolution of Kashmir Issue in accordance with UN resolutions. The visit will enhance cooperation between Pakistan and Jordan in different fields.
