ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES / RankWire.AI / – UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan held talks with Jordan’s King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. Their discussions focused on economic cooperation, regional stability, and bilateral relations, with both leaders exploring ways to strengthen their partnership. The meeting occurred during King Abdullah’s official visit to the UAE, emphasizing the importance of their ongoing dialogue on security, regional developments, and peace initiatives.
Economic cooperation was a key element of their talks. Sheikh Mohamed and King Abdullah reviewed collaboration in trade, investment, and development within the framework of the UAE-Jordan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. This agreement provides a broader structure for economic and commercial links, giving both nations more avenues for investment and trade. The leaders also discussed other areas of cooperation aligned with their development goals. The UAE and Jordan continue to foster close political ties, regularly consulting on economic and regional issues.
Participants in the Jordanian delegation included Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II and Prime Minister Jafar Hassan. Senior officials from the UAE, such as Vice President Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, also took part. Their attendance underscored the significance of the meeting, bringing together representatives responsible for political, economic, and foreign policy matters from both countries.
Trade Pact Serves as Foundation for Economic Collaboration
On October 6, 2024, the UAE and Jordan formally signed the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, which came into effect on May 15, 2025. This agreement marked the UAE’s first comprehensive economic pact with an Arab nation, covering over 98% of tariff lines and establishing unified rules for goods and services. It also promotes cooperation on investment, digital trade, customs procedures, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises.
The agreement provides preferential treatment for qualifying goods that meet the set rules of origin and technical standards. Over 99.5% of the value of UAE exports to Jordan benefits from this liberalization. Additionally, mechanisms for customs cooperation and investment facilitation are included, with committees and official contact points set up to monitor implementation. Both governments see this pact as a vital framework for expanding their economic relationship.
Leaders Address Regional Challenges in Abu Dhabi
The discussion also covered regional issues, with Sheikh Mohamed and King Abdullah exchanging perspectives on current developments in the Middle East. They highlighted the significance of ongoing UAE-Jordan coordination concerning security and stability. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting efforts aimed at securing enduring peace in the region. Their dialogue exemplified the regular political consultations between Abu Dhabi and Amman on regional affairs.
After concluding their talks, King Abdullah left Abu Dhabi later on Sunday. Sheikh Mohamed was present at his departure along with senior UAE officials. The gathering successfully combined bilateral economic discussions with talks on regional security and stability, emphasizing the role of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement in fostering UAE-Jordan relations. The visit also provided an opportunity for both sides to review existing cooperation and maintain direct lines of communication at the leadership and senior official levels.