ISLAMABAD (MNN); Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Jordan’s King Abdullah II on Saturday reaffirmed their firm opposition to any forced displacement of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip following Israel’s devastating military assault on the besieged territory.
Pakistan and Jordan were among the eight Muslim nations that coordinated with the United States under President Donald Trump last month on a framework aimed at ending Israel’s invasion and genocide in Gaza. Both states also joined key Arab and Muslim countries on Friday in backing a US resolution calling for the deployment of an international stabilisation force in Gaza.
The two leaders held formal talks at the PM House as part of the Jordanian monarch’s two-day state visit to Pakistan. A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office said both sides shared identical views on the Palestine issue and reaffirmed “zero-tolerance for any displacement of Palestinians from Gaza”. They also agreed to deepen coordination among the eight Arab-Islamic countries collaborating with the US on the Gaza ceasefire and the Gaza Peace Plan finalised in Sharm el Sheikh.
King Abdullah II appreciated Pakistan’s enduring support for Jordan’s humanitarian and stabilisation efforts during the conflict, as well as after the ceasefire.
The discussions covered ways to strengthen bilateral ties and expand cooperation in trade, investment, health, technology, education and defence. The leaders reiterated their commitment to strengthening strategic and economic engagement and boosting cooperation at regional and international platforms.
The meeting also included an exchange of views on broader regional security, with PM Shehbaz briefing the king on developments in Afghanistan, India and Pakistan’s immediate neighbourhood. The Jordanian monarch acknowledged Pakistan’s significant role in maintaining regional peace.
PM Shehbaz termed the king’s visit a reflection of the “everlasting friendship” between the two nations, while King Abdullah II thanked the Pakistani leadership for their warm hospitality.
Both dignitaries also witnessed the signing of memorandums of understanding in media, culture and education. Later, Prime Minister Shehbaz hosted a banquet in honour of the visiting delegation.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, Information Minister Ataullah Tarar, Climate Minister Musaddiq Malik and senior officials attended the meeting. King Abdullah II was presented with a guard of honour at the PM House.
Earlier, PM Shehbaz and President Asif Ali Zardari welcomed the Jordanian ruler at the Nur Khan Airbase, where PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari were also present. President Zardari said the visit would add a new strategic dimension to Pakistan–Jordan ties, which are rooted in historic brotherhood, trust and shared values.
PTV News said the visit demonstrates the longstanding fraternal relations between the two countries and will help strengthen political, economic and cultural cooperation.
A statement from the President’s Secretariat added that a formation of PAF JF-17 Thunder jets escorted the royal aircraft as it entered Pakistani airspace.
King Abdullah II last visited Pakistan during the tenure of former president Mamnoon Hussain, when both countries signed MoUs on civil protection, defence and housing cooperation.
Just last month, the Jordanian king praised the Pakistani military for its contributions to regional peace during a meeting with Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir in Amman, also attended by Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah II.
