Belgian envoy reaffirms shared stances, ‘strong ties’ on national day

AMMAN — Jordan and Belgium maintain “strong ties” in political, and economic domains and the “distinguished relationship” between the royal families of both countries has reflected positively on bilateral cooperation, according to Belgian Ambassador to Jordan Filip Vanden Bulcke.

In an interview with the Jordan News Agency, Petra, on the occasion of his country’s national day, the envoy stressed that his country's position on Israel’s intention to annex parts of the West Bank is “consistent” with the EU and Jordanian positions, which call for finding a just and comprehensive peace on the basis of the two-state solution through negotiations in line with UN resolutions and internationally agreed references. 

Belgium, a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, is “making every effort”, in coordination with partners, to exert pressure for resuming negotiations, he said.

Drawing attention to the ongoing coordination between Jordan and Belgium over regional developments and issues of common interest, the envoy highlighted the Kingdom's "crucial" role in the region.

The envoy said that Enabel, the Belgian Development Agency, is in the final stages of registration in the Kingdom and will start its operations soon to implement a project funded by the EU through the “Madad” fund to support Syrian refugees and host communities in Jordan through vocational training, in cooperation with the German and Spanish development agencies.

He also attached importance to Jordan's humanitarian role in hosting Syrian, Iraqi and Palestinian refugees, reiterating his country's support to the Kingdom through UN humanitarian funds and the European Union to enable Jordan continue this vital role.

Highlighting the Kingdom's anti-COVID-19 efforts, the diplomat expressed appreciation for Jordan's initiative in dispatching medical supplies and assistance to Belgium to combat the pandemic. The envoy lauded the Kingdom's “successful management” of the crisis.

On economic cooperation, the envoy said that Jordan ranks 72nd among countries importing from Belgium. He noted that Belgium's exports to Jordan in 2019 reached 271.5 million euros, while Belgium's imports from Jordan amounted to 46.2 million euros, ranking Jordan 105th among countries exporting to Belgium, with trade balance totalling 225.3 million euros.

The ambassador also noted that to facilitate businesses, boost trade volume and enhance cultural exchange, the Belgian embassy established the Belgian Jordanian Business and Friendship Association (JBFA) in 2019.

Touching on tourism cooperation, the envoy said that a total of 9,070 Belgian tourists visited Jordan in 2018, marking a 26-per cent increase in comparison with 2017, while 12,963 Belgian tourists visited Jordan in 2019, registering an increase of 30 per cent.