ISLAMABAD: Jordan’s King Abdullah II arrived in Islamabad on Saturday for a two-day state visit aimed at elevating political, economic and defence ties between the two countries. It is the first official visit by a Jordanian king to Pakistan in 21 years.
Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif received the King at Islamabad’s Nur Khan Airbase.
Senior members of Pakistan’s federal cabinet, including Musaddiq Malik and Wajiha Qamar, were also present on the occasion. Pakistan’s First Lady Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also welcomed the royal guest.
As the King’s aircraft entered Pakistani airspace, a formation of Pakistan Air Force JF-17 Thunder fighters escorted the royal flight to Islamabad.
According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, King Abdullah II is visiting Pakistan at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The King will hold separate meetings with President Zardari and the Prime Minister Sharif.
Officials said the “full range of bilateral relations” will be discussed, including political cooperation, defence ties and economic engagement.
A special investiture ceremony will also be held at Aiwan-e-Sadr to confer Pakistan’s highest civilian award on the Jordanian King.
President Zardari said the visit would give Pakistan–Jordan relations a “new strategic dimension”, describing the ties as rooted in historical brotherhood, mutual trust and shared values.
The Prime Minister’s Office said the visit reflects the “long-standing brotherly relations” between the two states and will further strengthen political, economic and cultural cooperation.
Pakistan and Jordan have coordinated on regional peace efforts. Both countries were part of discussions on US President Donald Trump’s proposed Gaza peace plan, along with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Indonesia, Turkiye and the United Arab Emirates.
The Foreign Office said the current visit would “serve to further strengthen the strategic direction of Pakistan–Jordan relations and place them on a higher trajectory”, including a broad-based partnership across political, economic and cultural spheres.
Jordan formally recognised Pakistan in 1947 and established diplomatic relations in August 1948. The kingdom is home to around 16,000 Pakistani nationals. Bilateral trade stood at US$46.58 million in 2023, according to Pakistan’s embassy in Amman.
The visit comes weeks after Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, met King Abdullah II in Amman.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the King appreciated the professionalism of Pakistan’s armed forces and expressed his desire to further strengthen defence collaboration. Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah II also attended the meeting.
Pakistan views Jordan as an important regional partner, particularly in defence training and counter-terrorism cooperation. Officials say the King’s visit is expected to reinforce this partnership.
