Norway extends help for Jordan’s development process

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday met with visiting Crown Prince of Norway Haakon, the Royal Court said in a statement.

His Majesty also met separately with commander of the US Central Command, Lt. Gen. Joseph Votel.

The King discussed with the Norwegian crown prince means of boosting development, economic, and military cooperation between Jordan and Norway, in addition to investing in the renewable energy sector.

The discussions touched on Sahara Forest Project, which is funded by the EU and the Kingdom of Norway and aims to green Wadi Araba region using solar energy.

King Abdullah and Prince Haakon also discussed the repercussions of the Syrian refugee crisis on Jordan, stressing the importance of increasing the international community's support for the Kingdom to help it cope with the burdens of the crisis.

His Majesty expressed appreciation for the Norwegian support for Jordan in the development sectors and aid to continue providing humanitarian and relief services to the refugees.

They also went over regional developments, especially the efforts to resume the peace process between the Palestinians and the Israelis on the basis of the two-state solution and the envisaged political solution to the Syrian crisis that ensures the integrity of Syria's lands and safety of its people, as well as the international efforts to combat terrorism through a holistic approach.

For his part, the prince stressed his country’s keenness on strengthening ties with Jordan, expressing appreciation for Jordan’s role in efforts to bring about peace and security in the region, in addition to the humanitarian role in hosting the Syrian refugees.

During the meeting with Votel, discussions covered ties between Jordan and the US, especially in the military fields, in addition to the latest developments in the region and the anti-terror drive. 

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs-of-Staff Lt. Gen. Mahmoud Freihat also met Votel at Marka Military Airport.

The two officers discussed the latest regional and international developments and aspects of cooperation and coordination over a number of issues related to the armed forces in both countries, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.