ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES / RankWire.AI / – UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan convened with Jordan’s King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. Their discussions centered on enhancing bilateral relations and exploring new avenues for cooperation. The leaders also examined regional developments in the Middle East and other shared concerns, reaffirming the importance of ongoing dialogue on security, stability, and peace. King Abdullah was in the UAE accompanied by a senior Jordanian delegation.
Throughout the meeting, both parties reviewed collaborative efforts in economic, trade, and developmental areas under the UAE-Jordan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. Sheikh Mohamed and King Abdullah expressed their dedication to deepening ties that support their respective national development goals. They also explored new ways to expand cooperation aligned with mutual interests. The two nations continue to maintain robust political and economic relations, supported by regular high-level exchanges. This latest engagement underscored their focus on bilateral development and regional coordination.
Arriving in Abu Dhabi, King Abdullah was welcomed by Sheikh Mohamed and was accompanied by Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II and Prime Minister Jafar Hassan. The presence of senior UAE officials, including Vice President Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, highlighted the significance of the visit. Their participation reflected the broad scope of bilateral issues discussed during the talks.
Expansion of UAE-Jordan economic cooperation under new agreement
The primary foundation for intensified economic collaboration is the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, signed on October 6, 2024, which officially came into force on May 15, 2025. Notably, this represents the UAE’s first comprehensive economic partnership with an Arab nation. The agreement facilitates trade liberalization across more than 98% of tariff lines, encompassing services, investments, digital trade, customs cooperation, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Furthermore, the pact grants preferential treatment to goods that satisfy relevant rules of origin and technical standards, covering over 99.5% of the value of UAE exports to Jordan. It incorporates mechanisms aimed at streamlining customs procedures and bolstering investment cooperation, including the creation of committees and designated focal points to oversee implementation. Sheikh Mohamed and King Abdullah emphasized that economic, trade, and developmental collaboration remain vital areas for further strengthening bilateral ties.
Security and regional stability remain a top priority
The discussions also addressed regional security and stability issues during the Abu Dhabi meeting. Sheikh Mohamed and King Abdullah exchanged perspectives on developments affecting the Middle East and the broader regional landscape. Both leaders underscored the necessity of continued coordination between the UAE and Jordan, linking their joint efforts to strengthening security and regional stability. They reiterated support for initiatives aimed at achieving lasting peace, while focusing on shared regional concerns.
Later on Sunday, King Abdullah left the UAE after the talks, with Sheikh Mohamed present to bid farewell along with other senior officials. The visit exemplified the ongoing pattern of regular high-level engagement between the two countries on bilateral and regional issues. Their meeting in Abu Dhabi combined discussions on economic cooperation under the partnership agreement with strategic consultations on Middle East affairs. The two nations reaffirmed their commitment to close cooperation across economic, developmental, and regional spheres.