Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Jordan’s King Abdullah on Saturday held wide-ranging talks at the Prime Minister House, reaffirming their commitment to strengthen strategic, economic and cultural ties between the two countries.

According to the PM Office, the meeting focused on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, health, science and technology, education and defence.

Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, senior government officials, and federal ministers attended the meeting and the dinner hosted in honour of the visiting monarch.

Both leaders agreed to enhance coordination at regional and international forums and underlined the importance of bolstering strategic and economic linkages.

PM Shehbaz welcomed King Abdullah’s visit, calling it a testament to the “enduring friendship” between Pakistan and Jordan.

King Abdullah appreciated Pakistan’s consistent support for Jordan’s diplomatic and humanitarian efforts over the Gaza crisis.

The two leaders reiterated their principled positions on Palestine, including rejecting any post-war arrangements that could lead to the displacement of Palestinians from Gaza.

They also discussed the Sharm el-Sheikh peace agreement and agreed to strengthen engagement among the eight Arab and Islamic countries working with the United States to push for a sustained ceasefire in Gaza.

PM Shehbaz also briefed the Jordanian king on recent developments in Pakistan’s neighbourhood, particularly Afghanistan and India. King Abdullah acknowledged Pakistan’s “key role” in maintaining regional stability.

Following the talks, both sides witnessed the signing of memorandums of understanding in media, culture and education aimed at expanding bilateral cooperation.

The prime minister later hosted a dinner for King Abdullah and his delegation.

Earlier in the day, King Abdullah arrived in Islamabad on a two-day official visit.

President Asif Ali Zardari and PM Shehbaz received him at the airport, accompanied by senior officials, including First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and federal ministers.

The Jordanian monarch was given a Guard of Honour at the Prime Minister House and also planted a sapling as part of the official reception. The visit is expected to add new momentum to Pakistan-Jordan relations across political, economic and cultural spheres.