RAWALPINDI: At their formal talks here this morning [March 16], King Hussein of Jordan and President Yahya Khan discussed in detail the recent developments in the Middle East.

King Hussein explained to the President the situation in the area and the state of Arab preparedness to meet the Israeli threat. The president showed complete understanding of the conditions prevailing in the area.

The talks lasting two hours 15 minutes also covered matters of bilateral interest. An official handout later said further discussions between the two Heads of State will continue on different occasions during the Jordanian King’s stay in Pakistan.

Meetings will also take place between the advisers on the two sides. ... Although the statement gave no details of talks which were held in “a very cordial atmosphere”, the presence of top ranking military officials on both sides indicates that the question of further assistance in training Jordanian forces might have come up.

Published in Dawn, March 17th, 2020