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AMMAN — The Anti-Narcotics Department (AND) on Wednesday arrested 17 wanted suspects in connection with nine illicit drug cases in various parts of the Kingdom in the past few days, according to police.

Law-enforcement officers also seized weapons with some of the suspects, according to Police Spokesperson Lt. Col. Amer Sartawi.

One of the main cases involved the arrest of six suspects in the Northern Badia, Sartawi told The Jordan.

“We received information that the six men had ties with smugglers who resided outside the Kingdom,” the police official said.

He added that a special force raided the premises of the suspects and seized 50 kilogrammes of Hashish.

“We are still investigating this case to determine the source of the illicit drugs and where it was intended to be delivered,” Sartawi said.

Similar raids were carried out in the Capital and resulted in the arrest of eight suspects who possessed various amounts of drugs and weapons, according to the police official.

Meanwhile, three suspects were arrested in the Northern and Central Badia, including two who were classified as dangerous, Sartawi said.   

“Police found illicit drugs and weapons in their possession,” Sartawi added.

All suspects were referred to the State Security Court prosecution office for further questioning and indictment, according to a statement by the Public Security Directorate.

Last year, AND officials said approximately 23,000 drug-related cases were recorded in Jordan in 2023, involving more than 35,000 individuals, with about 13,000 suspects apprehended for alleged drug trafficking or distribution.

AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ayman Safadi on Tuesday held a phone conversation with Ireland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Defence Simon Harris to discuss ways to deepen bilateral relations and enhance cooperation across various fields. 

The two ministers exchanged views on regional developments, with a particular emphasis on the ceasefire in Gaza, underscoring the importance of ensuring sufficient and sustained humanitarian aid reaches all areas of the Strip to alleviate the ongoing crisis. 

Safadi commended Ireland’s principled and unwavering support for the two-state solution as the sole path to achieving a just and lasting peace in the region, according to a Foreign Ministry statement. 

The two officials also emphasised the need to support the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, highlighting its critical role in providing essential services and maintaining stability in the region. 

Discussions also touched on the situation in Syria, with both ministers reaffirming their commitment to supporting reconstruction efforts based on preserving Syria’s unity, sovereignty and independence, while ensuring that the rights of its people are upheld. 

Safadi congratulated Harris on assuming his new role as Ireland’s foreign minister and expressed Jordan’s readiness to work closely with Ireland to build on the strong partnership between the two countries. 

Also on Tuesday, Safadi held a phone call with Bulgaria’s Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev to discuss enhancing bilateral relations and addressing regional developments, according to a Foreign Ministry statement. 

Safadi congratulated Georgiev on his recent appointment as Bulgaria’s foreign minister, reaffirming Jordan’s commitment to strengthening ties with Bulgaria at both the bilateral level and within the framework of the European Union. 

Georgiev expressed Bulgaria’s appreciation for its partnership with Jordan and emphasised his country’s keenness to expand cooperation across various sectors. 

The two ministers agreed to convene a political consultation session in Sofia later this year. 

They also discussed opportunities to enhance cooperation across various sectors, including economic development, trade, investment, tourism, culture and defence. 

The conversation also touched on potential joint efforts through the Aqaba Meetings to address shared challenges. 

Regional issues were also on the agenda, with Safadi highlighting the need to sustain the ceasefire in Gaza and ensure the uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid to all parts of the war-torn Strip. 

• JAF carries out 125 airdrops, facilitates 266 others by allied forces, dispatches 53 aircraft to Gaza
• 16 military aircraft carrying relief, food, medical supplies, totalling 20 tonnes, sent to Gaza
• JHCO sends 147 humanitarian convoys, comprising 5,569 trucks carrying around 82,000 tonnes of aid to Strip

AMMAN — The first batch of humanitarian aid, part of an air bridge that the Kingdom dispatched for Gaza earlier on Tuesday, arrived in the Strip later on the day.

The Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army (JAF) on Tuesday announced that the Kingdom launched an eight-day air bridge with 16 flights daily to send assistance to Gaza.

During a conference at the King Abdullah II Air Base of the Royal Jordanian Air Force, JAF Media Director Brig. Gen. Mustafa Hiari said that the air bridge ensures the delivery of critical relief supplies to inaccessible areas, preventing spoilage or damage, according to an army statement.

Hiari highlighted that JAF was the first to execute humanitarian airdrops into Gaza, achieving the third-largest modern logistical supply operation.

To date, JAF has carried out 125 Jordanian airdrops, facilitated 266 airdrops by allied forces, and dispatched 53 aircraft to Gaza through Egypt's El Arish Airport, he noted.

Hiari stressed that JAF continues humanitarian initiatives through the field hospitals in northern and southern Gaza.

He said that the hospitals have treated more than 370,000 patients since the start of the Israeli war on the besieged Strip on October 7, 2023, and fitted 296 advanced prosthetics under the "Restoring Hope" initiative.

Hiari pointed out that JAF completed infrastructure for a new field hospital specialising in obstetrics and neonatal care, noting that the hospital is staffed with 82 personnel, including 55 from the Royal Medical Services.

Also speaking at the conference, Minister of Government Communication Mohammad Momani said that, under Royal directives, 16 military aircraft carrying relief, food and medical supplies, totalling 20 tonnes, were sent to Gaza via Qarara crossing in central Gaza for distribution in the north and south of the Strip, in coordination with the World Food Programme (WFP).

He added that this initiative is part of Jordan's ongoing efforts, directed by His Majesty King Abdullah, to alleviate the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza.

He also noted that two planes carrying aid from Italy and contributions from Greece and Malaysia are part of the relief effort.

Momani highlighted that Jordan was among the first countries to send aid and break the blockade on Gaza.

The minister added that Jordan’s national security relies on "steadfast support" for Palestinians' presence on their land and the rejection of Israeli displacement policies.

He underscored that this stance aligns with Jordan's strategic interests and its unwavering national and humanitarian principles.

Momani reiterated that regional peace can only be achieved by recognising the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and the establishment of their independent state.

Also speaking at the conference, Secretary-General of the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organisation (JHCO) Hussein Shibli pointed out that Jordan had previously dispatched eight similar flights in late November, carrying seven tonnes of aid distributed by the WFP.

Shibli noted that 147 humanitarian convoys, comprising 5,569 trucks carrying around 82,000 tonnes of aid, have been sent to Gaza in cooperation with the JAF.

He stressed JHCO's commitment to Royal directives, ensuring continued coordination with relevant sides to maintain the flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

AMMAN — The Food Security Council (FSC) and the World Food Programme (WFP) on Tuesday signed a cooperation agreement to provide technical support aimed at bolstering the council's role in implementing the National Food Security Strategy (2021-2030).

Minister of Agriculture and FSC Chairman Khaled Hneifat and WFP Resident Representative and Country Director Alberto Correa Mendez signed the agreement, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The partnership focuses on enhancing cooperation in food security and food systems, aligning with the priorities of the Economic Modernisation Vision, with specific activities targeting food waste reduction under WFP’s Country Strategic Plan for Jordan.

It also aims to strengthen food security governance, promote applied research to support evidence-based decision-making and improve food waste management.

Hneifat commended the WFP’s ongoing support in priority developmental areas, including the FSC’s 2025-2027 work plan, the agricultural sector, and the Jordanian-Palestinian Agricultural Products Marketing Company (JPACO).

The two sides discussed areas of cooperation in food security, agriculture, and climate change, and commended the depth of their relations, expressing their mutual desire to further strengthen their partnership, especially regarding Jordan’s role in facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid at the regional level.

AMMAN — Minister of Government Communication Mohammed Momani on Tuesday met with representatives from international organisations and donor agencies focused on media development.

The meeting, held at the ministry’s headquarters, is part of an ongoing series of consultations with media stakeholders aimed at advancing Jordan's media landscape, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra.

Momani, who is also the official government spokesperson, reiterated Jordan’s commitment to fostering a diverse media environment while upholding responsible media freedom.

"Jordan values the role of media in delivering information and fostering knowledge," he said, emphasising that media freedom must align with national laws, societal values, and core principles.

The minister also presented the ministry’s three-phase strategy for the future of Jordan's media sector. The first phase, now completed, involved a series of consultative meetings with key media stakeholders to identify key challenges.

The second phase will focus on creating specialised working groups within the media industry to propose practical solutions.

These recommendations will feed into the third phase, which will result in the release of a comprehensive media vision document, including actionable strategies and implementation plans, with the final vision set to be unveiled by mid-2025.

International partners stressed the importance of the upcoming media vision, describing it as a crucial step toward strengthening Jordan's media sector.

They also stressed the need to adopt innovative tools and strategies to navigate the rapidly changing digital and technological landscape.

Participants also highlighted the need for cooperative programmes between the ministry and international partners, aligned with the goals of the media vision.

A key priority identified was the training of a new generation of media professionals equipped with advanced skills, including proficiency in artificial intelligence, to meet the demands of modern media and communication.

AMMAN — The agricultural producer price index rose by 9.9 per cent in 2024, reaching 109.4 points compared with 99.5 points in 2023, according to the Department of Statistics (DoS) annual report issued on Tuesday.

The increase was primarily driven by a surge in the prices of key crops, including potatoes, zucchini and beans, which hold a relative importance of 61 per cent, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The index also recorded a decline in the prices of other crops such as coloured sweet peppers, bananas, and tomatoes, representing the relative importance of 39 per cent.

On a monthly basis, the index climbed by 24.9 per cent in December, reaching 108.3 points compared with 86.7 points in December 2023.

This rise was attributed to higher prices for crops like spinach, clementine, and green sweet peppers.

Prices for cucumbers, mushrooms, and grapefruit saw a decline, with the affected crops accounting for 35 per cent of relative importance.

Despite the annual and December-to-December increases, the index for December 2024 showed an 11.4 per cent drop compared with November 2024, falling from 122.1 points to 108.3 points.

The decline reflected lower prices for green beans, radishes, and potatoes, which accounted for 61.8 per cent of the relative importance of the affected crops.

Prices for white cabbage, tomatoes, and bananas increased, with a relative importance of 38.2 per cent.

AMMAN — The Queen Rania Teacher Academy (QRTA) has announced a "landmark" achievement that reinforces its leading position in the field of education and professional development.

The academy has received international accreditation from the UK-based Continuing Professional Development Standards Office (CPD) as an accredited service provider and for three of its programmes.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the academy stressed that this accreditation serves as an international testament to the quality of its programmes and commitment to providing professional development opportunities that meet global standards.

It also establishes QRTA as the first academy in the region dedicated to teacher preparation and capacity building to obtain accreditation based on CPD standards.

The accredited programmes include the Professional Diploma in Advanced Educational Leadership, designed to equip experienced educational leaders with advanced tools and effective strategies to foster innovation, improve education quality and drive change within their schools.

The second programme, Professional Development for Kindergarten Teachers, focuses on supporting early childhood educators to enable them to create inclusive and stimulating learning environments that cater to children's developmental needs.

The third accredited programme, Teacher Educator Preparation Programme, aims to prepare educators to take on the role of teacher trainers by equipping them with the necessary skills, knowledge and practical approaches to effectively support teachers.

These programmes would empower educators to enhance their competencies, boost their confidence and build professional resilience.

The CPD Standards Office in the UK is one of the world's leading authorities in accrediting continuing professional development programmes.

It is distinguished by its "rigorous" standards and strict procedures, ensuring the delivery of impactful and sustainable training programmes.

AMMAN — The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC) is scheduled to host the 2025 Regional Development Forum for Arab States (RDF-ARB) next week, alongside the Regional Preparatory Meeting for the World Telecommunications Development Conference (RPM-ARB), underscoring Jordan’s pivotal role in fostering collaboration and advancing the sector across the Arab world.

The 2025 RDF-ARB, scheduled for Monday, is a "key" opportunity for fostering collaboration and building partnerships around critical regional issues.

The two events will be held under the patronage of the minister of digital economy and entrepreneurship, according to a statement for The Jordan Times.

The events will feature "high-level" participation from delegations of Arab member states and prominent international organisations.

TRC Chairman Bassam Sarhan said that the forum will provide a platform for high-level discussions among policymakers, regulators, industry leaders, academic representatives and regional and international development organisations.

Sarhan stressed that the forum is a key opportunity for fostering collaboration and building partnerships around critical regional issues in the development of telecommunications and ICT, according to the statement.

He also noted that the RPM-ARB, which will follow the forum on Tuesday and Wednesday, is part of the preparations for the World Telecommunications Development Conference (WTDC-25), scheduled to take place later this year in Baku, Azerbaijan.

The meeting will focus on boosting coordination between member states and sector participants by defining regional priorities and addressing the most pressing challenges in telecommunications and ICT development within the region.

The TRC’s hosting of these specialised events highlights its ongoing efforts to promote communication and coordination on key telecommunications issues at both regional and international levels.

Sarhan reiterated Jordan’s commitment to aligning Arab and regional positions in international discussions, the statement said.

AMMAN — The Jordanian participation in Coldplay's Global Tour in Abu Dhabi has witnessed an exceptional musical event, hosting a series of consecutive concerts by the British band Coldplay over four nights.

This event is the largest in the history of the United Arab Emirates in the field of music, and artists from the Arab Puppet Theatre Foundation and the Puppet Theatre Museum in Amman were selected to operate "The Weirdos" puppets, which were specially designed for this tour, according to a statement for The Jordan Times.

A team from Jordan presented live performances with "The Weirdos" puppets, designed by the Jim Henson Studio in Los Angeles, adding a unique dimension to the concerts and enhancing the audience's experience.

The Arab Puppet Theatre Foundation, established in 2008, is a pioneer in promoting puppetry in the Arab world, focusing on educational and cultural dimensions.

The foundation contributes to preserving artistic heritage and offering educational workshops, and uses puppets to address contemporary social issues as a means of dialogue.

The museum, located in Amman, is a cultural hub displaying a diverse collection of puppets from around the world.

It provides visitors, whether Jordanian or tourists, with the opportunity to explore this rich art form.

The museum is open to the public and presents both local and international performances that attract both adults and children alike.

The museum hosts artistic residencies through the Amman Annual School of puppetry, which focuses on developing the skills of young men and women in puppetry and related artistic practices, according to the statement.