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AMMAN — A colloquium titled “The ASEAN Journey: Background, Reflections, and Priorities” took place on Wednesday at the Arab Thought Forum, jointly organised by the ASEAN Committee in Amman and the Arab Thought Forum.

The event aimed to promote ASEAN’s role and efforts in maintaining peace, stability, and prosperity in the Southeast Asia Region, while also provided insights into the key priorities and deliverables of Malaysia’s Chairmanship.

The speakers included Ade Padmo Sarwono, Ambassador of Indonesia and Mohamad Nasri Bin Abdul Rahman, Ambassador of Malaysia. Additional contributions came from Supark Prongthura, Ambassador of Thailand, Wilfredo C. Santos, Ambassador of the Philippines and Nurunnajibah Adanaan, Charge d’Affaires of Brunei Darussalam.

Founded in 1967 by Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia and Singapore, ASEAN has since expanded to include Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia.

Its core objectives are to foster economic growth, social progress, and cultural development through enhanced trade and investment among member states, strengthen regional peace and stability by promoting unity and ASEAN centrality, encourage regional collaboration and mutual assistance by fostering a culture of sustainability in all dimensions, support the study of Southeast Asia, and enhance cooperation with other regional and international organisations.

Under Malaysia’s chairmanship in 2025, the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability” was officially unveiled by the Malaysia prime minister during the closing ceremony of the 44th and 45th ASEAN summits in October 2024 in Vientiane, Laos.

Malaysia’s leadership aims to empower society through social and economic justice while ensuring long-term sustainability and well-being.

ASEAN faces challenges including geostrategic shifts, conflicts in Myanmar and the South China Sea, climate change, development gaps, and other emerging global trends.

Moving forward, ASEAN seeks to recalibrate its priorities to remain resilient, dynamic, and responsive, ensuring that the people remain at the centre of the regional integration process.

ASEAN has also expressed "grave concern" over the war in Gaza and the Middle East, condemning attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure. The organisation welcomed the ceasefire agreement in Gaza and urged its immediate and comprehensive implementation.

ASEAN called for the unconditional release of all hostages, especially ASEAN nationals, and urged all parties to work towards a peaceful resolution in pursuit of a two-state solution.

ASEAN also emphasised the need to intensify humanitarian assistance, including restoring UNRWA’s role in supporting those in need.

As Malaysia leads ASEAN in 2025, its priorities "must be transformative and impactful," ensuring that inclusivity, innovation, and sustainability remain central to the ASEAN Community agenda.

A whole-of-government approach is needed to coordinate national efforts across ASEAN’s three pillars of cooperation. Collaboration efforts with ASEAN partners should be explored and identified in advance to strengthen the organisation’s global engagement and regional leadership.

AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Friday said that Arab countries are putting together a plan to rebuild the war-torn Gaza Strip without displacing its population.

During his participation at the Munich Security Conference, Safadi said, "We are working on an Arab proposal that will show that we can rebuild Gaza without displacing its people, that we can have a plan that will guarantee security and governance," Safadi said, adding that Israel also had to think about how it wanted to see the region in 10 or 20 years time.

"Israelis also have to think long-term. For it to live in peace and security, its neighbours need to live in peace and security," he said.

Jordan’s top diplomat said that ending the Israeli occupation and establishing an independent Palestinian state is the guarantee to achieving peace and security in the region.

Safadi also participated in the conference on Syria hosted by France, where he met with his French counterpart Jean-Noel Barrot.

During the meeting, Safadi said that there is an Arab-supported Egyptian plan that aims to rebuild the Gaza Strip without displacing its Palestinian residents, according to a Foreign Ministry statement.

The two top diplomats reiterated rejection the displacement of Palestinians, with Safadi vocing appreciation for France’s support to the two-state solution as the path to achieving just and lasting peace, the statement said.

They also stressed the importance of supporting the Syrian people in rebuilding their country on the basis that guarantees the security of Syria and its territorial unity and the voluntary return of refugees, according to the statement.

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Thursday thanked Jordanians and said he draws his energy and strength from them.

In a post on X platform, the King wrote, "Thank you the loyal sons and daughters of my people. I draw my strength and energy from you. Our positions are steadfast and unwavering, and I will always and forever do what is best for my country, as Jordan's interests are paramount and above all considerations."

His Majesty added pictures of the people who gathered in Amman and other governorates to greet him and HRH Crown Prince upon their return from the US on Thursday.

Jordanians from across the Kingdom organised rallies in Amman and on the routes to Marka Airport to greet the King. Cheering crowds raised the Jordanian flag and banners expressing support for the King and appreciation of his firm positions in service of the country and the Arab nation.

AMMAN — Minister of Labour and Chairman of the Vocational Training Corporation Khaled Bakkar met with the Country Director of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) Office in Jordan Kim So Young, to discuss establishing the first institute for green professions and future skills in the Kingdom.

According to a statement by the ministry on Thursday, this cooperation aligns with the second phase of the Economic Modernisation Vision 2025-2028, which aims to strengthen international partnerships and support the green economy.

The institute aims to train youth and people with disabilities in green professions and future skills, including renewable energy, electric and hybrid vehicle maintenance, water treatment and environmental impact reduction, digital skills and advanced technology, waste recycling, and modern agricultural technology.

Bakkar underscored the project's significance in achieving the goals of the Economic Modernisation Vision.

He noted that the initiative would enhance international partnerships and promote the green economy in Jordan.

He highlighted the importance of establishing centres of excellence in emerging development fields to address unemployment challenges in the Kingdom.

To ensure the project's sustainability, Bakkar stated that a budget would be allocated from the Vocational Training Corporation, along with efforts to enhance the efficiency of trainers to equip youth with skills for future green professions required in local and international labour markets.

Kim expressed KOICA's pride in supporting the Ministry of Labour's and Vocational Training Corporation's efforts to develop youth skills, emphasising that the cooperation would empower young people with skills needed in local and global labour markets, contributing to the Jordanian economy.

She noted that the centres of excellence's professions and specialisations would be determined based on a specialised sectorial study conducted with South Korean experts.

This project is part of joint efforts between Jordan and South Korea to enhance international cooperation and support the green economy, contributing to Sustainable Development Goals and providing long-term employment opportunities for youth.

AMMAN — HRH Princess Basma Bint Talal on Thursday congratulated the Jordan Radio on the occasion of World Radio Day, annually celebrated on February 13.

In a phone call with Director of the Radio Muhannad Safadi, Princess Basma expressed her appreciation for Jordan Radio's role in spreading knowledge, stressing that since its launch in 1959, it has remained a national voice reflecting the aspirations and hopes of the Jordanian people.

Princess Basma underscored her pride in the journey of Jordan Radio and its role in conveying the message of the Jordanian state, defending its interests, and advocating for Arab issues, particularly the Palestinian cause, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

She also expressed her gratitude for the dedication of the radio’s staff, highlighting its historical role as a pillar of professional radio broadcasting.

Safadi stressed that Jordan Radio will continue to be a "steadfast voice" defending national and regional issues while reflecting the principles and positions of the Jordanian state.