ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Jordan on Sunday reaffirmed their support for an independent, sovereign, and contiguous Palestinian state on pre-June 1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital, rejecting any displacement of Palestinians.
The declaration came during talks between President Asif Ali Zardari and visiting King Abdullah II of Jordan, who emphasised the need for a Two-State solution to ensure peace and stability in the Middle East.
In a ceremonial highlight, President Zardari conferred Pakistan’s highest civilian award, the Nishan-e-Pakistan, on King Abdullah II, while the Jordanian monarch reciprocated by awarding President Zardari the Wisam Al-Nahdah Al-Mursa (Order of the Renaissance).
Pre-1967 Palestinian state with Al-Quds as capital to ‘remain bedrock of Pakistan’s policy’
Before the investiture ceremony, the leaders reviewed regional and international developments, with a particular focus on peace and security in the Middle East.
During their discussions, both leaders reaffirmed the longstanding fraternal ties between Pakistan and Jordan and agreed to maintain close coordination on bilateral, regional, and global issues. They highlighted the need for strengthening cooperation in multilateral forums, promoting humanitarian and development initiatives, and enhancing people-to-people contacts.
King Abdullah II expressed pride in the deep-rooted ties between the two countries and underscored Jordan’s desire to expand cooperation across multiple sectors.
A statement from the President’s House said both leaders expressed confidence in the future direction of Pakistan-Jordan relations and pledged to continue close coordination on global and regional matters.
The visit comes amid renewed tensions in the Middle East, with Pakistan and Jordan reiterating their principled stance on post-war Gaza and the urgent need for a viable Palestinian state.
The investiture ceremony at Aiwan-e-Sadr was attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, federal ministers, diplomats and other senior officials.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025