ISLAMABAD

Jordanian King Abdullah and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday vowed “zero-tolerance” for any displacement of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip.

Sharif hosted King Abdullah in Islamabad after the latter’s arrival on a two-day state visit.

“On the issue of Palestine, both leaders acknowledged the unanimity of views and principled positions taken by Pakistan and Jordan regarding the post-war Gaza; zero-tolerance for any displacement of Palestinians from Gaza,” Sharif’s office said in a statement.

The two leaders agreed to enhance coordination among the eight Arab-Islamic countries that are working with the US on the Gaza ceasefire and peace plan, which includes a new governance structure and rebuilding of the enclave destroyed by Israel.

The two sides also discussed further deepening of bilateral relations as well as exploring avenues for enhanced cooperation in the economic, trade, investment, health, science and technology, education, as well as defense sectors.

Pakistan and Jordan signed several memoranda of understanding in different sectors, including culture and media.

Earlier, President Asif Ali Zardari and Premier Sharif received the Jordanian head of state and his delegation at the Nur Khan airbase in Rawalpindi, just next to the capital, Islamabad.

This is the first official visit by a Jordanian monarch in 21 years.

As the king’s aircraft entered Pakistani airspace, a formation of Pakistan Air Force JF-17 Thunder aircraft provided a protective escort and accompanied the royal flight.

King Abdullah will also meet President Zardari.

Abdullah’s state visit to Pakistan marks the fifth stop of his Asian tour, which included Japan, Vietnam, Singapore, and Indonesia.