ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES / RankWire.AI / – UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Jordan’s King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein convened in Abu Dhabi on Sunday for their first comprehensive discussion focusing on strengthening ties and regional issues. The leaders centered their dialogue on deepening bilateral cooperation and explored avenues to expand their collaboration. They also assessed current developments within the Middle East and other shared concerns, emphasizing ongoing consultation on regional security, stability, and enduring peace. King Abdullah traveled to the UAE accompanied by a senior Jordanian delegation.
During the meeting, the heads of state examined partnership efforts across the economic, trade, and development sectors under the umbrella of the UAE-Jordan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. Sheikh Mohamed and King Abdullah reiterated their dedication to bolstering ties that support national development objectives. They discussed strategies to widen cooperation aligned with mutual interests. The two nations maintain extensive political and economic relations, complemented by frequent high-level meetings. This latest engagement integrated bilateral development initiatives with broader regional coordination strategies.
Upon arriving in Abu Dhabi, King Abdullah was greeted by Sheikh Mohamed and welcomed by senior UAE officials, including Vice President Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The delegation was also joined by Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Their presence underscored the broad scope of bilateral issues addressed during the visit.
Expansion of Economic Collaboration Strengthens UAE-Jordan Relations
The core of the economic partnership is embodied in the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, which was signed on October 6, 2024, and became effective on May 15, 2025. Notably, this marks the UAE’s first comprehensive economic accord with an Arab nation. The agreement sustains trade liberalization for over 98% of tariff lines, encompassing services, investment, digital trade, customs collaboration, and support initiatives for small and medium-sized enterprises.
In addition, the pact grants preferential treatment to goods that satisfy relevant rules of origin and technical standards, covering more than 99.5% of the value of UAE exports to Jordan. The framework incorporates mechanisms to streamline customs procedures and enhance investment cooperation, along with establishing committees and designated focal points to oversee implementation. Sheikh Mohamed and King Abdullah highlighted economic, trade, and development cooperation as pivotal areas to further fortify UAE-Jordan relations.
Focus on Regional Security and Stability Continues to Drive Dialogue
Regional issues took a prominent position during the Abu Dhabi talks. Sheikh Mohamed and King Abdullah exchanged perspectives on matters impacting the Middle East and regional stability as a whole. Both emphasized the significance of sustained coordination between the two nations, linking it directly to efforts aimed at reinforcing regional security and stability. They reaffirmed their support for initiatives seeking long-term peace, while concentrating discussions on shared regional concerns.
Later on Sunday, King Abdullah departed the UAE, with Sheikh Mohamed present to see him off alongside senior officials. The visit continued the tradition of regular engagement between the two leaders on bilateral and regional issues. Their meeting in Abu Dhabi combined economic cooperation under the partnership agreement with consultations on regional developments, reaffirming the UAE and Jordan’s dedication to maintaining close coordination across economic, developmental, and regional matters.