Islamabad (TDI): During King Abdullah ibn Al Hussein’s two-day official visit to Islamabad, Pakistan and Jordan renewed their commitment to strengthening military cooperation in a powerful demonstration of strategic solidarity.
The pledge came as the Jordanian king visited key defense installations and met with top Pakistani leaders to discuss a future of deeper collaboration.
King Abdullah was given a detailed tour of Pakistan’s Global Industrial & Defense Solutions (GIDS) facility, where he was briefed on the country’s progress in indigenous defense production and advanced technological innovation.
He also visited the Tilla Field Firing Ranges, where he witnessed a joint fire and maneuver exercise involving conventional forces, air firepower, and even spectrum-warfare capabilities supported by multi-purpose drones.
Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, reiterated the country’s commitment to strengthening military ties with Jordan. He praised the two countries’ defense partnership as “strong” and expressed his desire for increased military-to-military cooperation.
Read More: Pakistan, Jordan Sign Four MoUs in Culture, Media and Education
King Abdullah, in turn, honored Field Marshal Munir with the Order of Military Merit, First Degree, in recognition of his role in strengthening Pakistan–Jordan military ties
The meeting of leaders at Aiwan-e-Sadr also delved into broader regional security dynamics. President Asif Ali Zardari and King Abdullah discussed shared concerns and ambitions, including stability in the Middle East and joint support for a two-state solution for Palestine.
They further acknowledged the strong alignment between Pakistan and Jordan on the future of Gaza, particularly regarding post-war arrangements and the firm rejection of any forced displacement of Palestinians.
They also agreed to intensify coordination with the eight Arab-Islamic states working alongside the United States on the Gaza ceasefire negotiations and the Gaza Peace Plan finalized in Sharm el-Sheikh.
Read More: Pakistan, Jordan Reaffirm Defense Partnership as COAS Visits Amman
Beyond regional security, the talks also shifted toward long-term partnership building. The two leaders explored avenues to deepen cooperation in economic, trade, and investment sectors, alongside expanding collaboration in health, education, science and technology, and defense.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to elevating their strategic and economic ties, and agreed to work more closely at regional and international forums to advance shared interests.
Later in the day, President Asif Ali Zardari bestowed Pakistan’s highest civilian medal, the Nishan-e-Pakistan, on King Abdullah II in recognition of his efforts to deepen bilateral ties.
In exchange, the Jordanian monarch bestowed upon President Zardari the Wisam al-Nahda al-Murassa, one of Jordan’s most highest state honors bestowed on heads of state and notable global leaders.
Minahil Khurshid holds a Master's in Peace and Conflict Studies from NUST. She is passionate about current affairs, public policy, and geopolitics.
