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AMMAN — Zuheir Nsour on Wednesday presented his credentials to Albania President Bajram Begaj as Jordan's extraordinary, plenipotentiary, accredited, and non-resident ambassador to Albania. 

The ceremony took place at the Presidential Palace in Tirana, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Nsour conveyed His Majesty King Abdullah’s greetings to President Begaj, along with his wishes for continued progress and prosperity for the Albanian people. 

President Begaj asked Nsour to convey his greetings and appreciation to King Abdullah, praising His Majesty’s wise policies and the “distinguished” relations between the two countries.

He also expressed the Albanian government’s interest in boosting and expanding bilateral ties and wished the Kingdom and the Jordanian people continued progress and prosperity.

The Albanian deputy minister of foreign affairs, the chief of the presidential office, the director of protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other officials attended the credential ceremony.

AMMAN — The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, through the Jordan Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Fund (JREEEF), in cooperation with the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), on Wednesday launched the Knowledge Sharing Programme (KSP) for 2024–2025.

The launch ceremony was attended by South Korean Ambassador Kim Pil-woo, Head of the Korean Delegation Kim Hak-Do, and representatives from the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation.

The initiative aims to foster the exchange of expertise between Jordan and South Korea in renewable energy and energy efficiency, leveraging Korea’s experience in policy development and implementation to support Jordan’s goals of achieving energy security and environmental sustainability, according to an Energy Ministry statement. 

The KSP includes a series of activities aimed at facilitating technical and institutional knowledge-sharing, along with targeted capacity-building efforts for JREEEF staff. 

These efforts aim to enhance the fund’s capabilities in policy analysis, programme design, and efficient implementation.

As part of the programme, a specialised financial study would also be conducted to measure the impact of JREEEF’s projects on reducing the national energy bill. 

The findings are expected to support the development of more effective energy-related fiscal policies and promote sustainable savings over the long term.

JREEEF Director Rasmi Hamzeh highlighted the significance of the renewed partnership with KOTRA, describing it as a continuation of the strong, results-oriented cooperation between the two sides.

Hamzeh noted that the programme will prioritise technical and financial assessments of current initiatives and the development of staff competencies to support future projects.

KOTRA representative expressed appreciation for the strategic partnership with Jordan, emphasising that the initiative reflects South Korea’s broader commitment to supporting energy development in partner countries through knowledge exchange and the sharing of successful practices.

The programme is part of JREEEF’s broader vision to support Jordan’s shift toward clean, sustainable energy and to boost energy efficiency across all sectors by adopting international best practices tailored to the Kingdom’s national priorities.

AMMAN — Political experts on Thursday stressed the importance of safeguarding Jordan’s stability and sovereignty above all political activities, following the government’s decision to ban the Muslim Brotherhood group.

"Realising the balance of power and acting accordingly is not a betrayal of faith—it is its very essence," said Academic Advisor to the Politics Society Instate Mohammad Abu Rumman.

Abu Rumman, former minister of culture, pointed out to the “serious violations of national unity that occurred during the protests that was carried out by Muslim Brotherhood members”.

“Such violations included verbal attacks on the Jordanian army and state. Though these were isolated incidents and not treated harshly, they contributed to a broader and escalating mood that now requires national reflection and recalibration,” Abu Rumman told The Jordan Times.

On Wednesday, Interior Minister Mazen Faraya announced the immediate enforcement of the law provisions on the so-called dissolved Muslim Brotherhood by considering it an illegal association.

“We decided to close all headquarters or premises that are used by the Muslim Brotherhood or sites that are shared with other entities, under penalty of legal accountability,” the minister said.

Al Rai Columnist Bilal Hassan Tal added that the Muslim Brotherhood members do not learn from their previous mistakes.

“The problem with the Muslim Brotherhood is that [they] always believe they are right and if anyone opposes their beliefs and ideologies then this person is an apostate,” Al Tal said.

At the same time, Al Tal added, the Muslim Brotherhood worked over the years to “imbed certain ideologies within its members that is far from what Islam teaches us,” Al Tal told The Jordan Times.

The minister also announced during a press conference the banning of all activities related to the so-called Muslim Brotherhood and considered it an illegal association.

Faraya called on the committee that is entrusted with seizing all assets related to the Muslim Brotherhood to expedite the process in accordance with the law.

The minister also stressed that membership in the so-called dissolved Muslim Brotherhood is prohibited, as well as the spreading of its ideologies.

He added that legal action will be taken against any individual or entity if the current investigations into the terror-related cases that were announced last week prove that there are connections with the suspects or the alleged plots.

Researcher Ibrahim Ghraibeh explained that the problem with the Muslim Brotherhood is that “it was penetrated by Hamas”.

“There is a secret group within the Muslim Brotherhood that is affiliated with Hamas and the Brotherhood does not know about them,” Ghraibeh explained.

This was one issue, Ghraibeh explained.

The other issue, Ghraibeh added, was that after October 7 of last year, the Muslim Brotherhood, which was banned in Jordan for some years, “started working underground and instigating the public with many activities, including some that were critical of the Jordanian security forces”.

On April 15, the General Intelligence Department (GID) announced that 16 men, including some who were members of the Muslim Brotherhood, allegedly planned to cause chaos and sabotage acts in Jordan.

The group was charged with terrorism and manufacturing explosive substances against the suspects involved in alleged plots targeting Jordan’s national security. 

The GID had said that the 16 men were arrested following close intelligence monitoring since 2021. 

Their alleged plans included manufacturing short-range rockets using local tools as well as tools imported for illegal purposes, possession of explosives and firearms, concealing a rocket ready to be deployed, planning to manufacture drones and recruiting and training operatives in Jordan as well as training them abroad, the GID said.

The minister revealed new information related to the case of the 16 suspects and their alleged illicit operations, including that one of its members allegedly manufactured explosives and made an experiment to make sure that it was good for use.

He added: “They were targeting sensitive premises and security forces”.

The interior minister said during the press briefing that on the day the authorities announced the arrest of the 16 individuals, Muslim Brotherhood members destroyed a large number of documents in an attempt to hide their suspicious activities and connections.

Some of the suspects appeared on national television where they reportedly confessed to their affiliation with the Muslim Brotherhood and their alleged roles in manufacturing missiles, drones and recruiting others to join them. 

According to the indictment sheet, the SSC’s prosecutor charged three defendants with manufacturing weapons (missiles) with illicit intent and committing acts that disturb public order and endanger the safety and security of society.

In a separate case involving the drone manufacturing project, four defendants were charged with carrying out acts that disturbed public order and acts that endanger the safety and security of society. 

In two recruitment cases, the prosecutor charged five defendants with committing acts that disturb public order and acts that endanger the safety and security of society. 

Meanwhile, four suspects are currently being tried at the SSC in connection with the alleged transport and storage of explosives and automatic weapons smuggled from abroad, including the concealment of a missile in an Amman suburb, according to the SSC prosecution office. 

During a press conference last week, Government Communications Minister and official spokesperson Mohammad Momani told reporters that the 16 suspects were allegedly involved in four “coordinated plots” that the GID has foiled after years of surveillance and investigation.   

The alleged plots, according to Momani, were aimed at threatening national security, using short-range missiles, explosives, drones and automatic weapons. 

The minister added that the suspects allegedly recruited operatives from abroad for militant activities. 

"These cases were serious and deliberate attempts to harm Jordan's national security," Momani said. 

"Under no circumstances will Jordan tolerate any attempt to undermine its national security," Momani stressed.

AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi received on Thursday  the Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó over talks on bilateral relations, refugees and regional developments. 

Safadi and Szijjártó discussed ways to enhance relations and develop bilateral cooperation within the framework of the strategic partnership with the European Union.

The two top diplomats also discussed the outcomes of the agreements signed between the two countries in Amman in May last year in the fields of education, environment, youth and diplomatic cooperation.

In joint press statements following the talks, Safadi noted that the Hungarian   minister‘s visit aimed to explore mechanisms for enhancing “growing bilateral ties.”

He hailed the improving cooperation in education between the two countries, pointing out that Hungary offers 400 scholarships annually to Jordanian students, a gesture he praised as both educationally enriching and culturally significant.

He pointed out that the extended talks stressed the need to stop the aggression on Gaza, reach an immediate ceasefire, implement the prisoner exchange agreement in all its stages, and allow the entry of humanitarian aid into the war-torn Strip.

"This aid has been halted since last March, leading to an unprecedented humanitarian disaster. We must do everything necessary to remove all obstacles [hindering] the entry of aid and then work towards achieving a just and lasting peace, which we in the Kingdom seek as a strategic option with all Arab countries, because achieving a just and lasting peace is the only true guarantee for the security of all in this region,” Safadi said.

Safadi noted that the two ministers discussed the situation in Syria and Lebanon, stressing the need to support the stability of the two countries. "Syria is now going through a new phase following the large-scale suffering of the brotherly Syrian people. Therefore, our position and policy is to support our brothers in Syria in rebuilding their homeland on foundations that guarantee security, stability, sovereignty and preserve the rights of all Syrians."

“We also affirmed our support for Lebanon at this stage."

On refugee issue, Safadi said, "We discussed the refugee issue, and the Hungarian minister knows that Jordan is the largest refugee-hosting country relative to its population, and that the burden of asylum requires cooperation from everyone in order to provide the decent life that refugees deserve until conditions are met that allow for their voluntary return to their country."

For his part, Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó praised the efforts of His Majesty King Abdullah in preserving and protecting holy sites in Jerusalem within the framework of the Hashemite Custodianship, commending his efforts and his significant role in achieving peace and stability in the region.

He stressed that Hungary supports the realisation and implementation of the strategic partnership between the European Union and Jordan “as soon as possible.’

Szijjarto stressed the importance of Jordan's role in reducing illegal immigration to Europe, saying, "We are certain that without Jordan's highly responsible position, millions of illegal immigrants would have spread to Europe, and there would have been waves of immigration that Europe could not deal with." 

AMMAN — Lower House Speaker Ahmad Safadi met on Thursday with his Iraqi counterpart Mahmoud Mashhadani, with talks highlighting the deep-rooted ties between Jordan and Iraq and the need to reject all voices that seek to sow discord between the two nations.

During the meeting, at the headquarters of the Iraqi Parliament in Baghdad, both speakers affirmed the longstanding Jordanian-Iraqi relations, describing them as firmly based on common interests and mutual respect that serve the welfare of both peoples.

Safadi stressed the importance of parliamentary visits in strengthening bilateral cooperation and translating it into tangible results that benefit both countries.

He also underlined Jordan's recognition of Iraq's pivotal role in ensuring regional security and stability, stressing the importance of continued coordination and cooperation to serve the common interests of the two nations and other Arab countries.

Mashhadani called for enhanced bilateral cooperation in various fields, including political and economic.

He noted that mutual parliamentary visits reflect the commitment of both countries to advance their relations and implement practical measures that contribute to common goals.

Also on Thursday, Safadi and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani stressed the urgent need for unified international action to stop the ongoing aggression against the Gaza Strip.

During the meeting at the Iraqi Prime Ministry headquarters, both sides underscored the importance of consolidating Jordanian-Iraqi relations and strengthening cooperation across all sectors, particularly in parliamentary and economic spheres, to advance shared interests.

Safadi also highlighted Jordan’s commitment to deepening its partnership with Iraq, emphasising the value of joint efforts in addressing regional developments and promoting mutual prosperity.

The two officials also reiterated the importance of continued coordination between Jordan and Iraq to support the broader Arab cause, especially in confronting regional challenges and preserving stability.

They called for aligning international positions to stop the violence in Gaza and to hold perpetrators accountable for crimes against the Palestinian people. They also emphasised the need for collective efforts to enhance security and promote stability throughout the region.

Safadi also expressed pride in the enduring and historic ties between the two nations, stressing the importance of sustained cooperation on issues of mutual concern.

AMMAN — Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Maj. Gen. Yousef Huneiti on Thursday held a series of high-level meetings at the General Command of the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army (JAF).

Huneiti welcomed a delegation of senior advisors to members of the US Congress, highlighting the strength of the Jordanian-American strategic partnership and expressing appreciation for Washington’s continued support across the military and defence sectors.

Talks addressed regional and international developments and global efforts to enhance peace and security, according to a JAF statement. 

The US delegation also received briefings on JAF’s modernisation initiatives in response to evolving regional dynamics.

The visiting delegation also commended Jordan’s leadership in counterterrorism and its efforts to combat cross-border smuggling, reaffirming Jordan’s role as a pillar of regional stability.

Also on Thursday, Huneiti met with British Ambassador Philip Hall to discuss advancing bilateral military cooperation. 

The talks covered regional and international issues, with an emphasis on training and joint initiatives. 

Hall commended Jordan’s constructive role in promoting regional peace and stability.

In a separate meeting, Huneiti received Japanese Ambassador to Jordan Hideki Asari. Discussions focused on enhancing military and security cooperation, including expanding training programmes, technical collaboration, and exchange of expertise. 

Huneiti commended Japan’s consistent support, while Asari reiterated Tokyo’s commitment to deepening the strategic partnership and acknowledged Jordan’s stabilising influence in the region.

AMMAN — Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has signed an agreement to establish the National Advanced Natural Gas Company (Watani) that will work on providing natural gas from Risha Field to key economic sectors.

The company will be established in a joint venture between the Jordan Petroleum Products Marketing Company (JoPetrol) and Jordan Liquefied Gas Company, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

During the signing ceremony, Minister of Energy Saleh Kharabsheh said that the establishment of the company “marks a major step in Jordan’s efforts to boost energy independence and better utilize domestic natural resources.”

"The creation of Watani aligns with our national strategy to secure reliable energy supplies and reduce dependence on imports. It also reflects our commitment to transforming local challenges into economic opportunities,” he said. 

He also highlighted the importance of the Risha gas field as a cornerstone of Jordan’s energy sector, with plans to ramp up production to 418 million cubic feet per day by 2030 well above the Kingdom’s current needs for electricity generation, Petra said. 

The minister noted that several projects are already underway to extend the natural gas network to industrial cities, as part of a wider endeavor to cut energy costs and support economic growth under the Economic Modernisation Vision. 

CEO of JoPetrol Khaled Zo’ubi described the move as "a strategic leap toward a more sustainable and efficient energy future." He added that the new company will provide integrated energy solutions that support Jordan’s economy and promote clean energy, while Jordan Liquefied Gas Company CEO Salah Khazaleh said the launch of Watani was the “culmination of years of hard work and represents a key part of the company’s vision for a greener, more sustainable energy sector.”

Mohammad Khassawneh, Director General of the National Petroleum Company, emphasised the national priority to boost production from the Risha field, both to serve local communities and to strengthen energy security, according to Petra. 

AMMAN — A new tourist train service will begin operating in Mafraq on Saturday, marking the launch of the first heritage rail trips in the governorate. 

Organised by the Jordan Hijaz Railway Corporation in partnership with the Rahab Municipality, the initiative aims to promote domestic tourism and revive interest in Jordan's historical and cultural landmarks.

The journey will offer more than just scenic views, as passengers will be greeted at the station by a traditional Mafraq folklore group performing cultural dances celebrating the region's rich heritage, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra. 

The itinerary includes visits to Rahab's centuries-old churches and its famous mosaic relics - symbols of the Kingdom's religious and cultural diversity.

A traditional bazaar featuring local cuisine and handicrafts will also be part of the experience. Visitors will have the opportunity to sample regional dishes and purchase artisanal products while supporting local producers and communities.

"This journey is part of our broader vision to expand the role of the railway in heritage tourism," said Zahi Khalil, Director General of the Jordan Hijaz Railway Corporation. "By highlighting historically significant areas, we aim to create memorable experiences that also contribute to local development."

Khalil emphasised the importance of working with municipalities, community organisations and the private sector to create meaningful tourism experiences. He noted that reviving railway stations as cultural landmarks is central to preserving national memory.

The Mafraq route is part of a series of heritage journeys planned by the corporation to reconnect Jordanians with their history through rail travel and to showcase the Kingdom's diverse cultural and geographical identity, Petra added.