Islamabad: King of Jordan Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein arrived in Islamabad today on a two-day state visit to Pakistan. It marks the first official visit by a Jordanian monarch in twenty-one years, highlighting the significance of this diplomatic engagement.

According to Radio Pakistan, the King is visiting Pakistan at the invitation of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. Upon arrival at Nur Khan Airbase, he was received by President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. The reception also included members of the Federal Cabinet such as Musaddiq Malik and Wajiha Qamar, alongside First Lady Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.

President Zardari expressed that the King’s visit would provide a new strategic dimension to Pakistan-Jordan relations, which are founded on historical brotherhood, mutual trust, and shared values. As the King’s aircraft entered Pakistani airspace, it was escorted by a formation of Pakistan Air Force JF-17 Thunder aircraft, demonstrating the importance Pakistan places on this visit.

During the two-day visit, King Abdullah II is scheduled to hold discussions with President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, focusing on the complete range of bilateral relations between the two nations. A special investiture ceremony is also planned at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, where the King will be conferred with the highest civilian award of Pakistan.

The visit of King Abdullah II underscores the long-standing relations between Pakistan and Jordan, and is expected to further strengthen the political, economic, and cultural ties between the two countries.