Jordan’s King Abdullah II on Sunday praised Pakistan’s military for its exceptional training, professionalism, and operational readiness, specifically noting troops’ and aircrews’ preparedness.
In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the Jordanian leader visited the Global Industrial and Defense Solutions (GIDS) and Tilla Field Firing Ranges during his official visit to Pakistan. Accompanied by Princess Salma and a delegation of Jordanian officials, he was received by Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir as well as other senior military officials.
During his visit, the Jordanian king received a comprehensive briefing on the structure, capabilities, and product portfolio of GIDS. The briefing highlighted Pakistan’s progress in indigenous defense production, technological innovation, and potential avenues for bilateral defense cooperation with Jordan.
The visit to the Tilla Field Firing Ranges, meanwhile, saw King Abdullah II interacting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, as well as Azerbaijan Minister of Defense Industry Vugar Valeh oglu Mustafayev. The guests witnessed a joint fire and maneuver exercise demonstrating multi-domain operations, including conventional and air firepower, coordinated maneuvers, and spectrum warfare capabilities supported by multi-purpose drones employed in various configurations and roles.
According to the military’s media wing, King Abdullah II appreciated the high standards of training, professionalism, and operational capabilities and preparedness demonstrated by the participating troops and aircrews.
The prime minister, meanwhile, expressed Pakistan’s deep respect and affection for King Abdullah II and the people of Jordan, noting the state visit reflects their enduring friendship, mutual trust and a shared desire for peace and development. The Army chief also highlighted the strong military ties between Pakistan and Jordan, emphasizing continued cooperation and the shared vision of a stable and peaceful region.
As part of his visit, the Jordanian king conferred the Order of the Military Merit of First Degree upon Field Marshal Munir, recognizing his contributions to strengthening bilateral military relations.
In a separate event, President Asif Ali Zardari conferred the country’s highest civilian award, the Nishan-e-Pakistan, upon King Abdullah for his contribution towards regional and global peace, while the Jordanian king, in turn, conferred the Wisam al-Nahdah al-Mursa (Order of the Renaissance) on Zardari.
Earlier, Zardari and Abdullah held a meeting to review regional and international developments, with particular focus on peace and security in the Middle East. The two leaders emphasized the importance of bolstering cooperation at multilateral forums and for humanitarian causes.
In a statement, the President’s Office said the Jordanian king had voiced pride in “the deep-rooted ties” between Jordan and Pakistan, saying Amman was keen to expand cooperation across various sectors.
The two leaders agreed to maintain close coordination on bilateral, regional and global issues. They also reiterated their strong support for a two-state solution for Palestinians, emphasizing that their countries would reject any plan involving the displacement of Palestinians.
They called for the establishment of an independent and sovereign state of Palestine on pre-June 1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.