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AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis on Tuesday discussed boosting Jordanian-Greek cooperation in economic, investment, tourism and cultural sectors.

The ministers also addressed regional developments, particularly the situations in Palestine, Syria and Lebanon, according to a Foreign Ministry statement.

They also highlighted the "strong" ties between their countries and their commitment to enhancing cooperation through the trilateral partnership with Cyprus and within the framework of the EU.

Regional security and crisis resolution were also central to the discussions, with the top diplomats stressing the need to maintain a ceasefire in Gaza and ensure the uninterrupted flow of humanitarian aid.

Safadi also underscored the shared commitment of Jordan and Greece to leveraging recent regional developments to secure a lasting ceasefire in Gaza.

He also highlighted the Kingdom's ongoing efforts, led by His Majesty King Abdullah, to sustain the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza via land routes and the air bridge.

Safadi also highlighted the recent Arab ministerial meeting in Cairo, where foreign ministers reaffirmed their commitment to securing a ceasefire, facilitating humanitarian assistance and working towards a just and comprehensive peace based on a two-state solution.

Safadi also noted that Arab foreign ministers had collectively conveyed their positions to the US Secretary of State, emphasising their commitment to working with Washington to achieve lasting peace.

Safadi also updated Gerapetritis on Jordan’s diplomatic efforts to advance peace, including King Abdullah’s upcoming visit to Washington for talks with US President Donald Trump.

Safadi said that Amman’s relationship with Washington is a “strong and historic partnership that has achieved significant accomplishments for the entire region”.

“His Majesty, who values President Trump’s leadership and the role of the US in efforts to achieve peace, looks forward to this visit to discuss with the US President our joint efforts to boost our historic partnership with the US, our collective fight against terrorism and extremism and our pursuit of security and stability in the region, as well as a just peace that fully ensures the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people while also providing Israel with security and stability.”

He added, “We are also continuing to work with our partners in Greece and the European Union to achieve this shared goal. What happens in the Middle East has a direct impact on our partners in Europe. That is why we approach these challenges with a spirit of partnership and a commitment to achieving security and stability, which is a strategic necessity for the region and the world.”

Gerapetritis commended the excellent relations between Jordan and Greece, affirming both countries’ dedication to strengthening cooperation, particularly in the economic, trade, and tourism sectors.

He also emphasised the importance of the trilateral cooperation framework between Greece, Jordan, and Cyprus.

Gerapetritis also commended Jordan’s role in protecting Muslim and Christian holy sites in Palestine, describing the Kingdom as a pillar of stability and a model of religious inclusivity.

He also emphasised the need to prioritise aid delivery, calling for the reopening of the Rafah border crossing, increased support for UNRWA and the continued operation of Jordan’s air bridge initiative, describing it as an “exceptional humanitarian effort”.

AMMAN — German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Tuesday arrived in Amman on a working visit to the Kingdom, during which he is scheduled to meet with His Majesty King Abdullah.

Upon arrival at Marka Airport, the German president was received by Minister of Environment Muawieh Radaideh, Amman Mayor Yousef Shawarbeh, Amman Governor Yasser Adwan, Jordanian Ambassador to Germany Fayez Khouri and German Ambassador to the Kingdom Bertram von Moltke, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Monday inaugurated the new headquarters of the Jordan Bar Association, as the association marks its diamond jubilee.

 During the inauguration, His Majesty listened to a briefing by the head of the Jordan Bar Association, Yahya Abu Aboud, who explained that the new building comes as a continuation of efforts to develop the work of the association, which has completed an electronic archiving system for about 9 million documents, and created a comprehensive electronic portal to provide many services, according to a Royal Court statement.

 Abu Aboud praised the King's support for developing courts and litigation procedures, as well as promoting the independence of the judiciary.

 Prime Minister Jafar Hassan, Speaker of the House of Representatives Ahmad Safadi, Judicial Council President Mahmoud Ababneh, Constitutional Court President Mohammad Ghazou, Royal Hashemite Court Chief Yousef Issawi, Director of the Office of His Majesty Alaa Batayneh, and a number of senior officials attended the inauguration.

 AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Monday received Kuwaiti First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al Sabah. 

Sheikh Fahad conveyed to His Majesty the greetings of Kuwait Emir Sheikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, and His Majesty asked Sheikh Fahad to express best wishes to Sheikh Meshal, according to a Royal Court statement. 

The meeting, held at Al Husseiniya Palace and attended by HRH Crown Prince Hussein, addressed the deep-rooted relations between Jordan and Kuwait, and keenness to consolidate cooperation across all fields.

The meeting also covered regional developments, with the King stressing the need to step up Arab and international efforts to ensure the sustainability of the ceasefire in Gaza and to continue providing humanitarian aid, the statement said. 

His Majesty warned of the dangers of the escalation in the West Bank and violations of Muslim and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem.

The King also reiterated Jordan's support for Syria's unity, security, and stability.

Director of the Office of His Majesty Alaa Batayneh, Interior Minister Mazen Farraya, and General Intelligence Department Director Maj. Gen. Ahmad Husni attended the meeting.

AMMAN — Under Royal directives, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Maj. Gen. Yousef Huneiti ordered the medical evacuation of Gazan child Habibatullah Mahmoud Abdulnasser to Jordan for urgent treatment.

Upon her arrival in Jordan, the child was transported via helicopter to Queen Rania Children’s Hospital at King Hussein Medical Centre, where a specialized medical team will assess her condition and provide the necessary treatment, according to a Jordan Armed Forces – Arab Army (JAF) statement. 

Brigadier General Yousef Zureikat, Director-General of the Royal Medical Services, said the young girl suffers from an advanced disease that has led to gangrene in her lower limbs, left hand, and left eye. 

She will undergo medical examinations and receive specialised care at the hospital, he said. 

The child's mother thanked His Majesty King Abdullah for his humanitarian gesture and commended the army for its continuous medical and relief efforts in Gaza, JAF said. 

AMMAN — The Arab League Council on Monday called on donor countries to fulfil their financial commitments to UNRWA, emphasising the relief agency's indispensable role and critical services for Palestinian refugees. 

Following an extraordinary session, held at Jordan's request, the council issued a statement calling for empowering UNRWA to be able to maintain its life-saving operations, rejecting Israel's "unlawful" decision to ban the agency's work in the occupied Palestinian territories, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra. 

Jordan’s Permanent Representative to the Arab League Ambassador Amjad Adaileh reiterated Jordan’s unwavering support for UNRWA and the diplomatic efforts it exerts at the regional and international levels to ensure unaltered assistance for the relief agency.  

The statement also underscored the significance of the Joint Pledging Initiative for UNRWA, launched by Jordan, Kuwait, and Slovenia in May 2024, which has garnered support from 123 countries. 

The council also strongly condemned Israel’s disregard for international demands to stop its illegal measures against UNRWA, warning that any Israeli actions obstructing the agency’s vital operations in the occupied Palestinian territories, including in East Jerusalem and Gaza, "would have catastrophic consequences for refugees, as no other entity can replace UNRWA’s services."

It also reiterated that Israel has no sovereignty over East Jerusalem or any territory occupied since June 5, 1967, and has no authority to impose administrative or legal changes in these areas under international law.

The Arab League Council also stressed that Israel’s ongoing attempts to delegitimise UNRWA are "part of a broader effort to undermine the two-state solution and eliminate Palestinian refugees’ rights to return and compensation, as stipulated by international resolutions."

The council also warned of the dire humanitarian consequences if UNRWA’s services were disrupted, particularly in Gaza, "where the international community is racing against time to provide aid amid severe food shortages resulting from Israel’s continued aggression."

The statement also called on UN member states to uphold their legal responsibilities to UN General Assembly resolution on supporting the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and rejecting any legal recognition of Israel’s illegal presence and demographic alterations in the occupied territories.

AMMAN — The Jordan Chamber of Commerce (JCC) and the Uzbekistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Monday signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance and expand trade.

JCC First Deputy Chairman Jamal Rifai and Deputy Chairman of the Uzbekistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry Dilshod Rasulov signed the MoU, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The agreement outlines collaboration in organising joint events, scientific seminars, roundtables and conferences, while also promoting the exchange of delegations, trade missions and commercial activities. 

It also highlights cooperation in supporting small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), training and professional development.

Under the memo, the two sides will organise practical training programmes for specialists and facilitate connections among business owners to explore development opportunities in trade and services. 

The deal also includes the exchange of information on local trade and investment legislation, addressing trade barriers and setting the stage for a new phase of private sector cooperation to enhance trade exchanges and establish investment partnerships.

Gulyamov proposed forming an Uzbek-Jordanian business council to facilitate coordination, expand investment opportunities and enhance cooperation in various fields.

Addressing challenges, Gulyamov pointed out the lack of direct flights as a primary obstacle to increasing trade exchanges, suggesting that alternative transport lines could be explored to overcome such barriers.

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah, received a phone call on Monday from Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, which covered means to expand cooperation, as well as the latest regional developments.

His Majesty called for ensuring that the Gaza ceasefire holds, in order to enable international efforts to deliver aid, commending Canada’s role in the humanitarian response and its support for peace efforts, a Royal Court statement said. 

The King warned of the developments in the West Bank, as well as violations of holy sites in Jerusalem.