Pakistan, Jordan leaders deepen ties as President Zardari awards King top honor

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein reaffirmed Pakistan–Jordan relations on Sunday as the president conferred the Nishan-e-Pakistan, the country’s highest civil award, on the visiting monarch at Aiwan-e-Sadr.

According to the Presidency, the two leaders also exchanged views on regional developments and future cooperation.

During their meeting, President Zardari and King Abdullah II lauded the “longstanding and fraternal ties” between Pakistan and Jordan and agreed to further deepen cooperation across political, economic and cultural domains.

The president said both nations were “united in their principled positions on Gaza,” adding that Pakistan “rejects any displacement of Palestinians” and continues to support a two-State solution.

According to the Presidency, King Abdullah II was quoted as saying that he “deeply values the historic bond between Jordan and Pakistan” and is committed to “enhancing cooperation in every sector of shared interest.”

As part of a reciprocal gesture, the Jordanian monarch conferred the Wasam al-Nahda al-Mursaa (Order of the Renaissance) on President Zardari, an honor reserved for heads of state and distinguished dignitaries.

Senior civil and military officials, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari attended the ceremony, alongside members of the federal cabinet and diplomatic corps. A state banquet was later hosted in honor of the visiting royal.

Defense engagements

On the second and final day of his visit, King Abdullah II, who also serves as the Supreme Commander of the Jordan Armed Forces, visited Global Industrial & Defense Solutions (GIDS) in Rawalpindi, accompanied by Princess Salma bint Abdullah II.

According to Pakistan Army’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the royal delegation was received by Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, who, along with senior defense officials, briefed the King on Pakistan’s indigenous defense production capabilities.

The briefing highlighted GIDS’ “structure, capabilities, and product portfolio,” with a focus on technological innovation and opportunities for expanded defense cooperation between the two countries.

King Abdullah II later visited the Tilla Field Firing Ranges, where he was joined by PM Sharif and Azerbaijan’s Minister of Defense Industry Vugar Valeh oglu Mustafayev. The leaders witnessed a joint fire and manoeuvre exercise, featuring multi-domain operations, air and ground firepower, coordinated manoeuvres, spectrum warfare demonstrations and multi-purpose drone deployments.

King Abdullah II praised the “high standards of training, professionalism, and operational readiness” displayed by Pakistani troops and aircrews.

PM Sharif, speaking at the ranges, said Pakistan holds “deep respect and affection for His Majesty King Abdullah II and the people of Jordan,” adding that the visit reflects “enduring friendship, mutual trust and a shared desire for peace and development.”

Field Marshal Munir reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to “enhancing military-to-military cooperation” with Jordan, stressing joint efforts to realize “a mutual vision of a stable and peaceful region.”

Earlier, King Abdullah II conferred on the COAS the Order of the Military Merit of First Degree in recognition of his contributions to strengthening Pakistan–Jordan defense ties.

King Abdullah II’s two-day state visit, officials noted, “marks a significant milestone in reinforcing the historic bonds of fraternity and brotherhood between Pakistan and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.”