Uzbekistan and Jordan Elevate Ties as King Abdullah II Visits Samarkand, 15 Agreements Signed

Special Correspondent

Samarkand: At the invitation of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan arrived in Uzbekistan on a historic state visit, marking the first high-level engagement in the history of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

On August 26, negotiations were held at the Congress Center in Samarkand, where the two leaders discussed expanding political dialogue, trade, investment, and cultural-humanitarian cooperation, while also exchanging views on key regional and global issues.

The talks emphasized the importance of strengthening traditional friendship, aligning reform strategies, and maintaining constructive dialogue between the foreign ministries of both countries. Both leaders reaffirmed readiness to significantly boost bilateral trade, implement joint investment projects, and expand collaboration in chemical and textile industries, smart agriculture, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, tourism, geology, and education.

As part of the visit, Uzbekistan and Jordan signed 15 bilateral agreements, including pacts on extradition, visa-free travel, mutual investment protection, higher education, scientific research, agriculture, tourism, and air transport. An Intergovernmental Commission, Business Council, and a joint Business Forum will be launched to deepen economic ties.

President Mirziyoyev praised King Abdullah II’s “Aqaba Process” initiative and proposed holding one of its future sessions in Samarkand. Both leaders agreed to jointly promote tolerant and enlightened Islam and enhance cooperation between research and Islamic studies institutions.

In recognition of his role in strengthening bilateral relations, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev was awarded Jordan’s highest state honor, the Order of Al Nahda (Renaissance), personally conferred by King Abdullah II.

• “I accept this award with great honor as recognition of our joint efforts to expand multifaceted cooperation and as a sign of friendship and respect for the people of Uzbekistan,” said President Mirziyoyev.

The visit concluded with the adoption of a joint statement on partnership relations, cementing a new stage of cooperation in political, economic, transport, cultural, and humanitarian spheres. King Abdullah II also extended an invitation to the Uzbek President to pay an official visit to Jordan.