Pakistani Ambassador to Amman Muhammad Ajmal Iqbal affirmed that the relations between Pakistan and Jordan are deeply rooted in shared faith, close historical ties, and strong cultural connections.
اضافة اعلان
Iqbal told the Jordanian news agency (Petra) on Friday that bilateral relations between Pakistan and Jordan are characterized by mutual respect, alignment on major regional issues, and a spirit of solidarity based on shared Islamic heritage.
He added that the diplomatic relations between the two countries, officially established in 1948, have developed over the years into a multi-dimensional partnership with forward-looking perspectives, encompassing political dialogue, enhanced defense cooperation, economic and trade development, cultural exchange, people-to-people contacts, and continued coordination in international forums.
Iqbal emphasized that under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II and Pakistan’s leadership, relations have reached a high level of strategic maturity, noting that this special fraternal partnership paves the way for practical frameworks for regional cooperation and advancing social and economic development.
On the historical ties between Pakistan and Jordan, the ambassador stated that the relationship has consistently demonstrated strength and renewal, reflecting the high-level exchanges between the two countries. Official visits and continuous communication between the two leaderships have been key factors in enhancing cooperation and developing bilateral relations. For example, following King Abdullah II’s visit to Pakistan in 2007, economic relations experienced a notable boost, with trade volume increasing by about 40% over the following three years.
His Majesty’s subsequent visit in 2018 further advanced economic relations, raising bilateral trade between Pakistan and Jordan from approximately $37 million in 2017 to $50 million by 2020. The upcoming high-level visit of King Abdullah II to Pakistan is expected to yield significant strategic benefits, strengthening ties and opening broader avenues for cooperation across various fields.
The ambassador noted that recent years have witnessed notable milestones in the bilateral relationship across different areas, marked by increased high-level visits and exchanges, reflecting the growing trust between the two leaderships.
He highlighted that Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met with King Abdullah II on the sidelines of the Peace Summit on Gaza, held in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, on Oct. 13, 2025. The two leaders also held meetings in New York during the Arab-Islamic Summit in September of the same year, as well as at the emergency Doha Summit on Sept. 16, 2025.
Iqbal added that ministerial-level visits between the two countries have become regular, reflecting the dynamic nature of bilateral relations and contributing to consolidating cooperation across multiple sectors.
The ambassador pointed out that economic and trade relations between Pakistan and Jordan are witnessing continuous growth, with bilateral trade reaching $51.29 million in 2024, an increase of 10.54% compared to the previous year.
He noted that institutional meetings in the fields of agriculture and trade were activated this year, including the second meeting of the Agricultural Steering Committee via video conference in August 2025, and a joint ministerial committee meeting is scheduled for February 2026 in Islamabad.
Trade delegations from both sides have exchanged visits. A delegation from the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry visited Amman in 2024, and a representative from the Jordan Chamber of Commerce participated in the Digital Investment Forum in Islamabad. Jordanian delegations also attended various economic and industrial exhibitions in Lahore and Islamabad.
Educational, cultural, and humanitarian ties between the two countries have also grown. A memorandum of understanding was signed between Jordan University of Science and Technology and the National University of Sciences and Technology in Islamabad in September 2025. The Institute of Strategic Studies in Islamabad also signed an MoU with the Arab Thought Forum in October of the same year.
The Pakistani Embassy in Amman organized the first Pakistani Film Festival in January 2025, alongside various cultural and artistic exhibitions, which contributed to enhancing mutual understanding and cultural ties between the two peoples.
Iqbal emphasized the close coordination and consultation between the two countries on regional developments, particularly concerning the Palestinian issue, noting that Pakistan and Jordan adopt aligned positions advocating peace, stability, and moderation, sharing the same stance regarding the Israeli aggression on Gaza and the humanitarian crisis there.
The ambassador highlighted that both countries support each other in the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and other international forums. Jordan supported Pakistan’s candidacy for the UN Security Council for 2025–2026 and the Human Rights Council for 2026–2028, while Pakistan endorsed Jordan’s nominations in several Islamic and international institutions, including the nomination of Ambassador Mahmoud Difa Allah Hamoud as a judge at the International Court of Justice for 2025–2027.
Regarding economic cooperation, the ambassador noted that significant untapped potential remains, with both countries seeking to expand the trade basket, strengthen connections between chambers of commerce, and facilitate business cooperation.
Pakistani investments in Jordan are estimated at around $155 million, concentrated in industrial and textile sectors, contributing to Jordan’s economic growth.
Iqbal affirmed that Pakistan looks forward to reaching a preferential trade agreement with Jordan as a step toward a future free trade agreement to enhance trade in textiles, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture from Pakistan, and fertilizers, industrial, and chemical products from Jordan.
He noted that the upcoming visit of King Abdullah II to Pakistan will be an important milestone, providing a strategic boost to bilateral relations, particularly in economic fields, adding that previous visits by His Majesty were followed by tangible increases in trade volume.
On tourism and culture, the ambassador stated that bilateral cooperation represents a soft power aspect of the relationship, given both countries’ rich civilizational and religious heritage. An Urdu language and Pakistani studies chair has been established at the University of Jordan to introduce Jordanian students to Pakistani culture and history.
The Pakistani Embassy in Amman has organized several cultural and artistic events, including the first Pakistani Cinema Festival, the exhibition “Epiphanies” by artist Najah Rizvi in May 2024, and cultural exhibitions during Pakistan Day celebrations and diplomatic bazaars, all contributing to strengthening cultural ties.
Iqbal praised Jordan’s role under King Abdullah II in achieving peace and stability in the region, emphasizing that Jordan is a pillar of stability amid regional turbulence. Pakistan highly values Jordan’s constructive diplomacy based on dialogue, moderation, and peaceful dispute resolution, particularly its humanitarian role in coordinating aid to Gaza.
The ambassador also commended Jordan’s positions in promoting interfaith harmony and combating extremism, affirming Pakistan’s support for Jordan’s efforts to achieve peace and development in the region.
Regarding the Palestinian issue, the ambassador reiterated Pakistan’s firm position supporting the rights of the Palestinian people and the establishment of their independent state based on the 1967 borders, with Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with UN resolutions and OIC decisions.
He strongly condemned the renewed Israeli attacks on Gaza and the resulting severe human losses, calling on the international community for urgent intervention to stop violations and protect civilians, noting ongoing coordination between Pakistan and Jordan in this regard and expressing appreciation for King Abdullah II’s efforts to secure a ceasefire, provide aid, and protect Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem.
Iqbal also praised Jordan’s significant humanitarian role in hosting Syrian refugees and facilitating aid delivery to Gaza despite security challenges, noting that these efforts reflect Jordan’s deep commitment to international humanitarian law, Islamic solidarity, and human dignity. The Pakistani Embassy in Amman, with the help of relevant Jordanian authorities, coordinated the delivery of approximately ten humanitarian aid shipments from Pakistan to Gaza via Jordan.
—(Petra)
