• King Abdullah II accorded warm welcome with JF-17 Thunder aircraft escort, guard of honour
• Bilateral meeting held at PM House before banquet for visiting delegation
• Consistent support for Amman’s role in regional stability lauded
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Jordan’s King Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein on Saturday affirmed “zero-tolerance” for any displacement of Palestinians from the besieged Gaza Strip in the aftermath of the devastating military onslaught by Israel in the territory.
The two states were among the eight Muslim countries that worked with US President Donald Trump’s administration on a plan to end Israel’s genocide in Gaza last month.
The resolve was expressed in a meeting of PM Shehbaz Sharif and the Jordanian king held at PM House soon after the latter arrived in Pakistan for a two-day state visit.
The king was earlier presented with a guard of honour upon his arrival at PM House, while at the Nur Khan Airbase, he was warmly received by PM Shehbaz and President Asif Ali Zardari. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and First Lady Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari were also present to welcome him.
A statement from the President’s Secretariat said that a formation of PAF JF-17 Thunder jets provided an escort and accompanied the royal flight to Islamabad as the king’s aircraft entered Pakistani airspace.
President Zardari said King Abdullah II’s visit would give Pakistan-Jordan relations a new strategic dimension. He said the ties between the two states were built on historical brotherhood, mutual trust and shared values.
Later, a statement issued from PM Office said: “On the issue of Palestine, both leaders acknowledged the unanimity of views and principled positions taken by Pakistan and Jordan regarding the post-war Gaza; zero-tolerance for any displacement of Palestinians from Gaza. The two leaders agreed to enhance coordination among the eight Arab Islamic countries that are working with the US on the Gaza ceasefire and the Gaza Peace Plan signed in Sharm el Sheikh.”
King Abdullah II also praised Pakistan’s consistent support for Jordan’s role in regional stability and humanitarian efforts during the Gaza conflict.
The discussion during the meeting focused on further deepening bilateral relations as well as exploring avenues for enhanced cooperation in different sectors.
“Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing strategic and economic ties between Pakistan and Jordan, as well as expanding mutually beneficial collaboration at regional and international fora.”
During the meeting, views were exchanged on regional security and peace initiatives, with PM Shehbaz briefing the Jordanian king on recent developments in Afghanistan and India. “King Abdullah II acknowledged Pakistan’s key role in maintaining peace and stability in the region,” it added.
PM Shehbaz welcomed the king’s visit to Pakistan as a “testament to the enduring friendship” between the two countries, while the latter thanked the people and government of Pakistan for their “warm hospitality”.
Both dignitaries also witnessed a ceremony on the exchange of MoUs in the fields of media, culture and education, the statement said.
The premier also hosted a banquet in honour of the king and his accompanying delegation.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, ministers and top officials also attended the meeting.
Published in Dawn, November 16th, 2025