President Asif Ali Zardari on Saturday called on King Abdullah of Jordan on the
sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Amman and discussed bilateral
relations and regional situation calling for an early conclusion of a
Free Trade Agreement and holding of the second round of talks soon for
this purpose.
Spokesperson to the President Farhatullah Babar said that the
President also called for an early holding the 9th session of the Joint
Ministerial Commission which he said was a useful forum for enhancing
relations in various fields.
The President thanked the Jordanian monarch for Jordan’s support to
Pakistan’s candidature for the non-permanent seat of the UN Security
Council to which Pakistan was elected Friday as well as for its relief
assistance to the flood victims in Sindh and indeed for supporting
Pakistan in times of need.
The President said that Pakistan attached great importance to its
relations with Jordan and highlighted the great potential to further
deepen the ties particularly in the economic field.
President Zardari said that the ten thousand strong Pakistani
community further cemented the relations between the tow countries and
highlighted the issues of the Pakistani farmers in Jordan, Farhatullah
Babar said.
The President also invited King Abdullah and Queen Rania to visit Pakistan.
About the regional situation the President said that Pakistan always
supported the legitimate cause of the Palestinian people. The President
recalled the fundamental elements of the policy as total withdrawal of
Israel from all occupied Arab territories, restitution of the
inalienable rights of the Palestinian people including their right to
return to Palestine and establishment of an independent homeland for
Palestinians with Al-Quds Al Sharif as its capital.
President Zardari said that Pakistan supported the peace for land
offer made by King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia for achieving peace in the
region.
About situation in the Middle East the President said that Pakistan
had taken a principled position on the developments in North Africa,
Middle East and the Gulf. This position was based on the premise that
the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of the
states should be respected and all should adhere to the principle of
non-intervention and non-interference, he said and added that Pakistan
was concerned over tendencies towards division and divisiveness.
Situation in the region around Pakistan was also discussed.
Emphasizing Pakistan’s interest in a stable and peaceful Afghanistan
the President said that Pakistan was keen on the success of the Istanbul
Regional Conference early next month and also the Bonn Conference in
December this year.
Welcoming President Zardari to Jordan the monarch felicitated
Pakistan on winning the non permanent seat of the UN Security Council.
King Abdullah of Jordan also highlighted the close ties between the two
countries and agreed that there was need to further strengthen these
ties particularly in the economic field. King Abdullah said that Jodan
valued the sacrifices rendered by Pakistan both materially and
physically in fighting the militancy..
Interior Minister Rahman Malik, Chairman BOI Saleem Mandviwalla ,
Pakistan’s Ambassador Atiya Mahmood and Spokesperson. Farhatullah Babar
were also present in the meeting. SANA
