ISLAMABAD, Jan 22 (APP): Ambassador-designate of Pakistan to Jordan, Major General (Retd) Khurram Sarfraz Khan, called on President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Thursday.
The President congratulated him on his new assignment as Ambassador to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, with concurrent accreditation to the State of Palestine and expressed confidence that the Ambassador-designate would further strengthen Pakistan’s multifaceted relations with Jordan.
President Asif Ali Zardari described Pakistan’s relationship with Jordan as pivotal, noting that the two nations enjoy long-standing ties founded on shared history, culture and faith. He conveyed best wishes to His Majesty King Abdullah II, to the brotherly people of Jordan and to the leadership of the State of Palestine.
He added that during the visit of the King of Jordan last November to Pakistan, it was agreed to further strengthen bilateral cooperation particularly in political engagement, trade and investment, defence and security cooperation, and people-to-people contacts including labour and skills development.
The President highlighted the role of the Pakistani diaspora in Jordan and attached great importance to the welfare of the Pakistani community in Jordan by ensuring improved consular services, regular outreach and close coordination of the embassy with the community.
On Palestine, the President reiterated Pakistan’s principled position and diplomatic support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent State of Palestine on the basis of pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
President Zardari lauded Jordan’s engagement and support for Pakistan in promoting regional peace and stability. He expressed confidence that Maj. Gen (Retd) Khurram Sarfraz Khan would work with dedication in strengthening Pakistan’s relations with Jordan and Palestine.