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AMMAN — Lower House Speaker Ahmad Safadi on Sunday received the Chargé d'Affaires of the United Arab Emirates embassy in Amman Counselor Hamad Matroushi. 

During the talks, held at the House headquarters, Safadi stressed the "deep-rooted, brotherly" Jordanian-UAE relations under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah and Emirati President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, praising their "advanced" level in serving the interests of the two peoples.

Safadi also stressed the importance of activating the Jordanian-UAE Parliamentary Brotherhood Committee to enhance various cooperation aspects to serve the two countries, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

Meanwhile, Matroushi highlighted that the Jordanian-UAE relations are "deep-rooted and historic," voicing his country's keenness to develop them in various fields to achieve common interests.

The diplomat expressed his country's "high" appreciation for the Kingdom under King Abdullah's leadership and its supportive positions towards Arab and Islamic issues.

Head of the Lower House Foreign Affairs Committee MP Dina Bashir and Head of the Jordanian-Emirati Brotherhood Committee MP Ahmad Asha attended the meeting. 

Also on Sunday, Safadi met with British Ambassador Philip Hall over prospects of further enhancing cooperation.

Safadi noted the "deep-rooted" Jordanian- British relations and the level of cooperation across various fields, Petra added.

The British envoy referred to Jordan's pivotal role in the stability and security of the region, voicing his country's keenness on cementing relations to achieve common interests.

Bashir and Head of the Jordanian-British Parliamentary Friendship Association MP Mohammad Maharmeh attended the meeting.

AMMAN – Prime Minister Jafar Hassan met on Sunday with Secretary of State of the Holy See Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who is on a visit to Jordan as a special envoy of His Holiness Pope Francis. 

The visit coincided with the inauguration of the Church of the Baptism of the Lord at the Baptism Site of Jesus Christ (Bethany Beyond the Jordan), according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra.

The meeting focused on boosting the longstanding ties between Jordan and the Vatican and exploring opportunities for enhanced cooperation.

The discussions also addressed pressing regional challenges, with particular emphasis on the urgent need for peace and stability, including an urgent call for an end to Israeli military operations in Gaza.

Hassan reiterated Jordan's unwavering support for the Palestinian cause, under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah, and stressed the Kingdom's commitment to protecting Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, a responsibility upheld through the historic Hashemite Custodianship.

Cardinal Parolin commended King Abdullah's tireless efforts to foster peace and stability in the region, describing him as a voice of wisdom and moderation amid ongoing regional tensions.

They also discussed preparations for a landmark exhibition, "Jordan: The Dawn of Christianity," set to be held at the Vatican in February. This will be the first exhibition of its kind, showcasing artefacts that highlight Jordan’s pivotal role in the early history of Christianity.

AMMAN — The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources' 2024 report on the Economic Modernisation Vision (EMV) highlights a reduction of JD90 million in electricity sector costs.

The ministry explained that several measures contributed to this reduction, including self-generation fees, improving the efficiency of distribution companies, reducing losses and other measures.

It noted that gas production from the Risha field increased by 55 million cubic feet, while the percentage of installed smart metres across the Kingdom's governorates reached 63.9 per cent cumulatively, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.   

The ministry stressed that energy loss from electricity transmission and distribution decreased by 11.5 per cent compared to the previous year. 

The ministry highlighted that electricity export capacity to Iraq reached 40 megawatts for Al Rutba area in the first phase, with the second phase of the connection set to be completed by April 2025.  

The energy sector's initiatives for 2024 included eight initiatives under which 50 priorities, all aligned with the transition to clean energy.

This focus is in line with the top priorities of the EMV and aims to promote environmental sustainability. 

One example is a project to install solar thermal systems in 33 public hospitals to provide sustainable energy solutions for the healthcare sector, funded by an Italian government grant between 2025 and 2027.  

The report also highlighted efforts to boost energy interconnection with neighbouring countries, develop legislative frameworks for electricity and renewable energy sectors to align with global developments and reduce energy costs to positively impact economic growth and quality of life. 

These efforts include implementing the energy sector’s financial reform plan, such as time-of-use electricity tariffs for specific sectors.  

Regarding industrial institutions covered by natural gas, the ministry noted that there are two industrial institutions, and the reduction in carbon emissions resulting from electricity generation is estimated at 21 per cent.  

As for green hydrogen projects, the ministry signed 13 memoranda of understanding with developers of green hydrogen projects, and the number of preliminary technical reports received from companies interested in investing in green hydrogen production reached 9 reports.

AMMAN — The Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission (CARC) is reviewing technical evaluation findings for Damascus International Airport as part of efforts to potentially resume Jordanian commercial flights to Syria, CARC Chief Captain Haitham Misto said on Sunday.

The assessment, conducted by technical teams during a recent inspection visit to Damascus, aimed to verify compliance with international aviation safety and operational standards required for flight resumption, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra. 

“Jordan is committed to restoring civil aviation links with Syria as soon as all technical and logistical prerequisites are fully met, ensuring adherence to international safety and security standards,” Misto.

Misto also said that international aviation standards are applied to all airports worldwide without exception.

 "These standards include logistical, technical, and airspace safety requirements to ensure the security and safety of aviation."

International aid planes and foreign diplomatic delegations have already been landing in Syria. Domestic flights have also resumed.

Also o Sunday, an official source from the Ministry of Interior announced that Syrian citizens residing in European countries, the Americas, Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea, and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries will be allowed to enter Jordan without prior approval.

Syrians wishing to return to their country via Jordan must hold valid residency permits of at least four months in the countries from which they are arriving.

The decision aims to facilitate the return of Syrian expatriates from these regions to their homeland, Petra, reported.

AMMAN – The Politics and Society Institute, in partnership with the Norwegian embassy, will host two workshops on January 13 and 14, focused on 'Democratic and Political Transition: A Jordanian-Norwegian Approach.'

The workshops aim to foster inclusive political participation by addressing the challenges and opportunities faced by youth and women within political parties, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra. 

The first workshop will bring together experts from both Jordan and Norway to explore strategies for empowering young people in political processes. 

Featured speakers include President of the Norwegian Liberal Youth Organisation and former member of the Norwegian Parliament Anne Breivik and Deputy Secretary-General for Political Affairs of the Jordanian Iradah Party Ibrahim Awran. 

The discussion will explore the role of youth wings in political parties and share insights from both countries.

The second workshop will focus on empowering women within political parties, with speakers including Jette Christensen, a prominent Norwegian politician and former member of parliament, and Rawan Hayari, a political writer and founder of the Jordanian Women Politicians’ Coalition. 

This session will highlight the unique challenges women face in political engagement and propose practical solutions for increasing their leadership participation.

Both workshops will feature interactive discussions and working groups to generate actionable recommendations aimed at strengthening youth and women’s roles in decision-making processes within political parties.

Organised as part of the Democratic Transition Project, the initiative aims to share valuable lessons and develop sustainable strategies to promote political participation and democratic resilience.

AMMAN — Head of the National Centre for Epidemics and Communicable Diseases Control Adel Balbeisi on Sunday stressed the critical need for sectoral cooperation and unified efforts to address epidemics and health crises effectively.

Balbeisi's remarks came during a workshop organised by the centre to review findings from a report on Jordan's COVID-19 response, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

The report, prepared by CRDF Global in 2022, was developed in cooperation with the Ministry of Health, the National Centre for Security and Crisis Management, and civil and military agencies involved in managing the pandemic.

Balbeisi described the COVID-19 pandemic as a "real test" of Jordan's crisis-response capabilities, emphasising its dual impact on health and the economy.

He also highlighted the challenges faced by the Kingdom, which spurred the establishment of the National Centre for Epidemics and Communicable Diseases Control, modelled after international best practices in epidemic management.

Balbeisi also underscored the development of the national epidemic response plan, highlighting the centre's responsibility for its distribution and implementation across relevant institutions.

"The plan was created in cooperation with the Ministry of Health, the National Centre for Security and Crisis Management, the ministries of agriculture and environment, and the Royal Medical Services."

Secretary-General of the Health Ministry for Primary Health Care and Epidemics Raed Shboul commended the collective efforts of ministries and civil and military institutions during the pandemic. 

He also highlighted the dedication of health and non-health personnel in maintaining the resilience of Jordan's healthcare system, safeguarding public health, and alleviating societal burdens.

Shboul noted that the Health Ministry led the pandemic response by implementing emergency plans, coordinating intersectoral efforts, and managing resources to ensure the continuity of essential health services. 

He also highlighted advancements in diagnostics, treatment, vaccination, and epidemiological monitoring, as well as transparent information-sharing with local and international partners.

Participants at the workshop emphasised the importance of the report's findings and recommendations in bolstering Jordan's healthcare system and enhancing preparedness for future epidemics.

AMMAN — The Border Guards early on Sunday engaged in clashes with armed groups of smugglers attempting to infiltrate Jordan's northern border within the Eastern Military Zone's area of responsibility.

The confrontation resulted in the death of one smuggler, while the others retreated into Syrian territory, according to a Jordan Armed Forces–Arab Army (JAF) statement.

The smugglers attempted to exploit unstable weather conditions and dense fog along the border to cross into the Kingdom, the statement said. 

The JAF applied rules of engagement, repelling the groups and seizing large quantities of narcotics, along with two automatic weapons (Kalashnikov rifles) and a pistol.

During the clashes, a Border Guard officer was injured and airlifted to the Royal Medical Services, where he was reported to be stable, the statement added. 

The seized items were handed over to the relevant authorities.  

The JAF reiterates its commitment to utilising all available resources and capabilities to prevent infiltration and smuggling, ensuring the safety and stability of the Kingdom.

During his visit to Jordan last week, Syria's newly appointed Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan Al Shibani said that the new situation in Syria, regarding smuggling of Captagon, has ended threats previously faced by Jordan.

The army has reported several drug smuggling attempts on the Kingdom's north-eastern borders with Syria, with JAF reported some incidents of smugglers opening fire at border guards in an attempt to enter the Kingdom "by force".

The army unveiled the largest operation in January 2022 when it announced that it had killed 27 infiltrators as they tried to smuggle “large amounts” of narcotics from Syria into the Kingdom. 

The army said that the operation in late January came after the directives of the JAF chairman to change the rules of engagement.

According to JAF figures, a total of 194 smuggling and infiltration attempts have been recorded during the January-August period of 2023.

The army said that border guards on the north-eastern border with Syria have also dealt with 88 smuggling attempts using drones that carried narcotics and explosives.

In 2022, the army said that it dealt with 383 smuggling and infiltration attempts that also resulted in the seizure of large quantities of narcotics and weapons.

JAF said that 361 smuggling attempts from Syria were foiled and about 15.5 million narcotic pills were seized in 2021.

Jordan, which shares a 378 kilometre-long border with Syria, has been warning of flourishing drugs trade in the northern neighbour, posing cross-border threats to the kingdom, the region, and the rest of the world.

-Prime minister reiterates support for industrial sector as key pillar of Jordan's economy

-‘Gov’t works to expand natural gas supply to industrial cities to enhance sector’s competitiveness, reduce energy costs’

AMMAN — Prime Minister Jafar Hassan on Sunday stressed the importance of partnership with the private sector in all major and strategic projects prioritised by the government in 2025, contributing to added value for the national economy.

During an Investment Council meeting, chaired by Hassan at the Prime Ministry, the members discussed critical steps and measures to further promote investment in the Kingdom, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra."

The prime minister said that the Investment Council has "essential" tasks to encourage investment and create an empowering environment for investors and the private sector, fostering economic opportunities aligned with the implementation of the Economic Modernisation Vision.

He stressed the need for continuous engagement with the private sector to understand their priorities and ensure their implementation by the Investment Ministry. 

During the meeting, the premier reviewed the most prominent ongoing major projects across various sectors, particularly in railways, the National Carrier Project, whose preliminary contract was signed earlier in the day, and significant developments in the mining sector, including the agreement to expand Jordan Bromine, which was signed last week.  

Investment Minister Mothanna Gharaibeh outlined the ministry’s key programmes and priorities for the coming period, referring to ongoing efforts to streamline investment service procedures. 

Gharaibeh added that major projects planned by the ministry will be discussed with the Investment Council before their launch.  

Council members underscored the significance of public-private sector partnerships, commending the government's approach to dialogue and communication with the private sector.  

The meeting was attended by members of the Investment Council, including ministers from the economic team, governor the Central Bank of Jordan, and representatives from the private sector.

Also on Sunday, the prime minister visited the Amman Chamber of Industry, where he met with industry leaders.

Hassan reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting the industrial sector as a "key pillar" of Jordan's national economy and building a strong partnership with the sector across all industries.

Following a review of the sector's key challenges, Hassan instructed the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Supply to establish a joint committee with government and industry representatives to meet regularly and address pressing issues affecting the industrial sector.

The premier also highlighted the government’s efforts to achieve the goals outlined in the Economic Modernisation Vision, with a specific focus on cooperation with the private sector to drive progress.

The government is working to expand the natural gas supply to industrial cities and clusters, aiming to enhance the sector’s competitiveness and reduce energy costs, Hassan said.

The prime minister also reiterated the government’s ongoing commitment to engaging with international partners, within legal and diplomatic frameworks, to overcome obstacles faced by Jordanian exports.

Minister of Industry, Trade, and Supply Yarub Qudah noted that the Economic Modernisation Vision places significant emphasis on the industrial sector as a driver of economic growth and job creation. 

He also emphasised the sector’s importance for achieving substantial progress, adding that the government’s focus on its revival is essential for boosting exports.

Qudah also said that the government, in partnership with the private sector, has launched a company in which the industrial sector holds a 51 per cent stake, to promote export development and expansion.

The minister also highlighted a new policy introduced by the government, which requires all ministries to assess the potential impact of any decision before its implementation, ensuring better alignment with sectoral needs.

Chairman of the Jordan Chamber of Industry and the Amman Chamber of Industry Fathi Jaghbir stressed the critical role of the industrial sector in driving economic growth. 

He noted that 40 per cent of the country’s economic growth in 2023 was driven by the industrial sector, which also generates significant returns for the national economy—every dinar spent in the sector generates 2.17 dinars.

He also stressed that the industrial sector provides employment for 21 per cent of the workforce and supports over one million Jordanians. 

Jaghbir also pointed out that 94 per cent of national exports are industrial goods and that 62 per cent of investments benefiting from the investment law were in the industrial sector.

Director of the Amman Chamber of Industry Nael Hussain presented a roadmap to boost the competitiveness of Jordan’s industrial sector. He said that Jordan has the potential to become a regional hub for various industries, leveraging its competitive advantages within the national economy.