ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Jordan reaffirmed their resolve to further deepen their historic ties as President Asif Ali Zardari conferred the country’s highest civil award, the Nishan-e-Pakistan, upon King Abdullah II ibn Al-Hussein during a special ceremony at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Sunday.
King Abdullah II, who arrived in Islamabad on a state visit, was warmly welcomed by President Zardari. During their meeting, both leaders praised the enduring brotherly relations between the two nations and exchanged views on strengthening cooperation in political, economic, cultural and security domains. They also stressed the importance of enhancing people-to-people contacts to enrich bilateral engagement.
The two sides reviewed the regional landscape, with a particular emphasis on peace and stability in the Middle East. On the issue of Palestine, President Zardari and King Abdullah II highlighted their shared position, rejecting any forced displacement of Palestinians and reiterating support for a Two-State solution. They called for the creation of an independent and contiguous Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
King Abdullah II expressed his appreciation for the deep-rooted friendship between Pakistan and Jordan and conveyed his desire to broaden cooperation in multiple sectors. Both leaders agreed to maintain close coordination on regional and global matters and to work together in multilateral forums.
The King was accompanied by Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad, Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Major General Yousef Huneiti.
The ceremony was attended by First Lady Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, Chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Senator Sherry Rehman, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Minister for Climate Change Musadik Malik, and senior civil and military leadership.
In a reciprocal gesture, King Abdullah II bestowed upon President Zardari the Wisam al-Nahdah al-Mursa’ (Bejewelled Grand Cordon of Al Nahdah) a prestigious Jordanian honour reserved for heads of state and eminent personalities.
The day concluded with a state banquet hosted in honour of the visiting monarch.
