FM meets with EU Commissioner Varhelyi over strategic partnership

AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi in Brussels on Tuesday met with EU Commissioner for Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement, Oliver Varhelyi to discuss ways to enhance the strategic partnership and developmental cooperation between Jordan and the EU.

Safadi and Varhelyi emphasised the depth of the Jordanian-European partnership and their shared commitment to developing cooperation in all areas. They agreed to continue communication to implement priority initiatives, especially in the economic and investment sectors, to help overcome economic challenges and support the development programmes prioritised in Jordan's economic policy, according to a Foreign Ministry statement.

Safadi praised the partnership programmes and the EU’s support to Jordan, which contributes to the development of the national economic infrastructure and the launch of major development projects, such as the National Water Carrier Project and the Investment Platform.

Both sides also discussed ongoing cooperation in the water and energy sectors, notably European financing for the National Water Carrier Project (Aqaba-Amman). They also agreed to prepare for the Investment Platform conference, scheduled to be held in Jordan later this year. 

This comes within the framework of an investment programme aimed at supporting the Kingdom, announced by Varhelyi during his visit to Amman last year. An  investment platform between the European Union and Jordan, with a value of up to 2.5 billion euros, will be launched under the programme.

Safadi thanked Varhelyi for completing the procedures for the last instalment of the concessional loan provided by the European Union to Jordan in 2020, valued at 700 million euros. The discussions also included the possibility of providing new European support to Jordan through a new grant and concessional loan.

Safadi and Varhelyi reviewed the progress made in implementing the outcomes of the 14th Jordanian-European Partnership Council meeting, held at the Dead Sea in June 2022. This was the first time the council was held outside the European Union institutions, demonstrating “the depth and strength” of the partnership between Jordan and the European Union.

The refugee issue was discussed during the meeting. Safadi emphasised the importance of the international community continuing to provide assistance to refugees and host countries. He also appreciated the support provided by the EU to help Jordan bear the burden of refugees.

Safadi and Farahatili also discussed a number of regional issues and efforts to resolve regional crises and establish security and stability.