Jordanian-Polish ties to greatly benefit from new direct flights — ambassador

AMMAN — Tourism and trade relations between Jordan and Poland are expected to witness a significant boost in the near future as the European low-cost carrier Ryanair began direct flights between Jordan and Poland, Polish Ambassador in Amman Andrzej Swiezaczynski stated.

"We are very delighted with the launch of direct flights between Amman and Warsaw and Amman and Krakow... and we have been seeing an increase in visa applications since the flights started," the ambassador said in an interview with The Jordan Times on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Poland’s independence, which the embassy will mark on Wednesday.

More than 7,000 Polish tourists visited Jordan last year, and the number will certainly increase by the end of 2018, following the start of the direct flights, Swiezaczynski said, noting that "before, it was somewhat costly to visit Jordan, which is home to rich tourism attractions”.

The launch of direct flights will also play a key role in boosting trade relations between the two countries, he said, stating that Polish exports to Jordan since the beginning of the year have reached about $85 million, while Jordanian exports to the European country reached around $4 million.

The ambassador said that a Polish business delegation is scheduled to visit the Kingdom in the first quarter of 2019 to explore business opportunities and potential to enhance cooperation in the business arena.

Swiezaczynski also said his country is implementing several projects to help provide services in the field of education and health to refugees and host communities, adding that Poland will continue to provide support to Jordan, which has been exerting great efforts in providing services to the refugees.

"Jordan and Poland enjoy solid, strategic and friendly relations at all levels and we highly value Jordan's role in the region," he continued, concluding: "I am lucky to be here. People are friendly and welcoming and the hospitality of Jordanians is very impressive... cooperation will continue to flourish at all levels between Jordan and Poland.”