‘Russia to support Jordan’s bid for free trade deal with Eurasian Economic Union’

AMMAN — Russia will support Jordan’s request to join the free trade agreement of the Moscow-led Eurasian Economic Union, under a cooperation protocol the Jordanian-Russian ministerial committee signed Wednesday.  

This move seeks to boost Jordan’s commercial, economic and industrial cooperation with member states — Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan — and is aimed at attracting investments and projects to Jordan.

Signed by Planning and International Cooperation Minister Imad Fakhoury and Russian Agriculture Minister Alexander Tkachyov, who is chairing the Russian delegation, the protocol seeks to enhance cooperation in 10 different sectors.

It is the outcome of the committee’s third meeting, which took place in Amman on Monday and Tuesday and was attended by several senior officials and representatives of the private sector in the two countries.

Speaking to the press, Fakhoury highlighted the “effective” participation of the private sector in the meetings, stressing the need to sustain committee meetings in order to further enhance cooperation in the future.

The protocol will facilitate technical cooperation between the Russian Fund for Direct Investments and the Jordan Investment Commission.

Fakhoury added that the protocol looked into enhancing Russia’s humanitarian support to Jordan in addressing the needs of Syrian refugees and host communities through financial and technical assistance.

The two sides agreed to consider providing liquefied gas to Jordan at preferred prices, as well as carrying on with cooperation to build the Kingdom’s nuclear reactor and providing the needed support.

Customs departments in the two countries will be electronically connected, which will facilitate the entry of Jordan’s agricultural exports into Russia. 

The protocol suggests creating opportunities in the field of education and vocational training, including the possibility of establishing a joint high-tech centre.

It also addresses enhancing cooperation in healthcare and water resource management.