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AMMAN — The Crown Prince Foundation on Tuesday held a ceremony at the Royal Cultural Palace to celebrate the achievements of its "School Leadership Programme" over the past decade. 

The event, organised in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, was attended by Secretary-General of the Ministry of Education Nawaf Ajarmeh, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The ceremony highlighted the programme's successes, including training more than 160,000 students in over 1,400 schools nationwide. 

During the event, participants from various cohorts shared personal stories in an interactive segment, emphasising how the programme has enhanced their skills and advanced their academic and professional journeys.

In a statement, the foundation noted that, over the past decade, the programme has provided specialised training for youth, focusing on leadership development and fostering a sense of belonging and positive citizenship. 

Starting with hundreds of participants, the programme now engages tens of thousands annually and has trained over 1,500 Ministry of Education trainers, who, in turn, have helped train students across the Kingdom.

The programme's councils have initiated over 2,000 volunteer projects, benefitting more than 470,000 individuals in local communities.

The foundation also expressed pride in its partnership with the Ministry of Education, calling it a model of positive cooperation, adding that the partnership has been instrumental in achieving the programme's strategic objectives and expanding its reach to include eighth-grade students in public schools nationwide.

The foundation also reiterated its commitment to providing young Jordanians with quality opportunities, empowering them to develop their potential and contribute to a brighter future for the Kingdom.

AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Tuesday held separate phone calls with Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide and Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos. 

During the calls, Safadi briefed Eide and Kombos on the outcomes of the Aqaba meetings on Syria

The top diplomats also discussed regional developments, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra.

The committee included representatives from Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Lebanon, Egypt, the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar and the Arab League Secretary-General.

The discussions focused on supporting a Syrian-led political transition in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2254, including the establishment of a transitional governing body, the drafting of a new constitution, and the holding of free elections within a defined timeline.

AMMAN — A joint communiqué was issued following official talks between Lower House Speaker Ahmad Safadi and Iraqi Parliament Speaker Mahmoud Mashhadani, reaffirming support for the outcomes of the recent Aqaba meetings on Syria.

Safadi welcomed Mashhadani's first official visit to the Kingdom since assuming office as speaker of the Iraqi parliament, with talks resulting in signing a joint communiqué outlining a number of key agreements, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

The two sides pledged to boost coordination to address repercussions of regional instability, reiterating their commitment to supporting Syria's sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, while stressing the need for political representation for all components of the Syrian people. 

Jordan and Iraq agreed to enhance their economic cooperation by removing obstacles to trade and investment. Plans were made to organise reciprocal visits between parliamentary committees and chambers of commerce and industry to foster closer ties. 

The statement also attached importance to expanding cooperation in areas such as culture, education, agriculture, energy and construction.

Both sides stressed the need for completing the Basra-Aqaba oil pipeline, desribing it as a vital economic link for both nations. They also agreed to support joint projects with Egypt to further boost regional partnerships.

On regional issues, both sides expressed solidarity with Gaza and condemned the ongoing aggression against the Strip, expressing rejection for any attempts to displace the residents of Gaza and the West Bank and called for increased humanitarian assistance. 

The communiqué also condemned extremist actions by Israeli settlers against Palestinians and Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem.

Jordan and Iraq also highlighted the importance of coordinating parliamentary positions between both countries and building on the "strong" bilateral relations.

AMMAN — Minister of Government Communication and Government Spokesperson Mohammad Momani announced key cabinet decisions during a press conference following a session held in Zarqa governorate.

Momani said that the government is committed to holding monthly Cabinet sessions in various governorates, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra. 

Zarqa marks the third governorate to host such a session, following Karak and Irbid, with plans to continue this practice until all governorates are included, he added.

During the conference, Momani highlighted several developmental projects presented to elected council members and civil society organizations in Zarqa. 

He stressed that these initiatives are part of the government’s broader plans to create job opportunities, improve the investment environment, and positively impact local communities, in line with the goals of the Economic Modernisation Vision. 

Momani also stressed that the government will not make promises it cannot fulfil, pointing out that the developmental projects presented for Zarqa have defined timelines for implementation and allocated budgets within the state’s financial plan.

• Hassan reiterates government’s commitment to working directly with citizens to identify key needs, set development priorities
• Premier inaugurates Hashemiyah natural gas station, which will supply factories with affordable energy
• He directs ministers to accelerate promotion of Zarqa Industrial Zone project to maximise its economic potential
• Hassan outlins plans for infrastructure improvements, educational development in Zarqa

AMMAN — Prime Minister Jafar Hassan on Tuesday pledged to fast-track priority development projects in Zarqa, utilising next year’s budget and decentralisation funds to ensure their timely implementation.

Speaking at a Cabinet meeting in Zarqa, Hassan reiterated the government’s commitment to working directly with citizens to identify key needs and set development priorities, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra. 

The visit included laying the foundation stone for the new Zarqa Governorate Council headquarters and inaugurating a natural gas metering and reduction station in Hashemiyah.

“Creating employment opportunities remains a top priority,” Hassan said, stressing the government’s efforts to support the private sector by fostering a business-friendly environment. 

He also outlined several measures already taken to stimulate growth and announced plans to expand these initiatives in the coming months.

Hassan also inaugurated the Hashemiyah natural gas station, which will supply factories with affordable energy. 

The facility, with a capacity of 15,000 cubic metres per hour, is equipped with advanced technology for safety and efficiency and has room for future expansion.

The station is expected to reduce energy costs by 50-60 per cent compared with traditional fuels, enhancing the competitiveness of local industries and attracting further investments to the region. 

To date, the project has generated 450 jobs for Jordanian engineers, technicians, and administrative staff trained to international standards, Hassan added. 

The prime minister also directed ministers to accelerate the promotion of the Zarqa Industrial Zone project to maximise its economic potential. 

The first phase is expected to be completed by mid-2025, paving the way for increased investment and job creation.

Hassan also announced the JD9 million expansion of Prince Feisal Hospital, set for completion in 2028, with funding secured and final approvals pending.

Hassan also outlined plans for infrastructure improvements and educational development in Zarqa, including the construction of new schools. 

One key project is the Hashemiyah Vocational School, which will implement the advanced BTEC system to enhance technical education.

Hassan also announced plans to expand the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service between Zarqa and Amman, which currently serves 60,000 passengers per month, to accommodate growing demand.

The prime minister also reiterated the government’s commitment to empowering governorate councils as key partners in local development.

He also announced plans to review local government legislation next year to enhance service delivery and promote sustainable development across the Kingdom.

Hassan also laid the foundation stone for the Zarqa Governorate Council headquarters — the first purpose-built facility of its kind in Jordan. 

The 920-square-metre building will include meeting rooms and tailored facilities to support the council’s operations.

Hassan also commended His Majesty King Abdullah’s leadership in addressing regional and global challenges, underscoring Jordan’s resilience and strategic role on the international stage.

The prime minister also emphasised the importance of the Economic Modernisation Vision as the foundation for Jordan’s future development, pledging continued efforts to stimulate economic growth, empower citizens, and attract investment. 

Minister of Agriculture Khaled Hneifat announced that the Ministry is overseeing a project to establish a cooling, packaging, and storage centre for fruits and vegetables, valued at JD190,000, with completion expected in 2025.

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Saleh Kharabsheh highlighted several key initiatives in the governorate, including the installation of solar panel systems for homes, municipalities, and places of worship, noting that the ministry will cover 30 per cent of the installation costs.

Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abu Soud highlighted ongoing projects to improve the water supply and reduce water loss in Zarqa and surrounding areas, including rehabilitating water networks and constructing a wastewater treatment plant in Zarqa, scheduled for completion in 2028. 

The ministry is also working to expand drinking water and sanitation services to underserved areas, he added. 

Minister of Education Azmi Mahafzah outlined plans to build five new primary schools, one vocational school, and two secondary schools in the governorate over the next three years, adding that several schools will undergo maintenance.

Minister of Local Administration Walid Masri highlighted several development and service projects led by municipalities and the governorate council, including the Azraq landfill project, which will exceed JD13 million in cost.

Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship Sami Smeirat announced the establishment of two comprehensive government service centres in Zarqa and Russeifa, set to begin operations next year. 

The centres will provide 120 government services and create 60 job opportunities, he added.

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday received Iraqi Parliament Speaker Mahmoud Al Mashhadani at Al Husseiniya Palace.

The meeting, attended by HRH Crown Prince Hussein, covered deep-rooted ties between the two countries and peoples, with His Majesty expressing keenness to expand cooperation in various fields, especially in parliamentary areas, and congratulating Mashhadani on his election as speaker, according to a Royal Court statement.

Discussions touched on regional developments, especially the situation in Syria and the need to safeguard the country’s security and stability, as well as efforts to end the Israeli war on Gaza.

-  Two leaders stress importance of strengthening joint Arab action, unifying efforts to reach comprehensive regional calm

-  King, Sisi call for stepping up international efforts to stop Israeli war, protect civilians

- His Majesty warns of danger of unilateral measures against Palestinians in West Bank, repeated violations of Jerusalem's Muslim, Christian holy sites

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah and Egypt President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi on Monday called for preserving Syria's security, stability, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, reiterating their respect for the choices of the Syrian people.

During bilateral talks followed by expanded ones at Al Ittihadiya Palace in Cairo, the two leaders affirmed their support for a peaceful inclusive political transition, in which all Syrian political and social components are represented, and which meets the aspirations of the Syrian people and guarantees their rights, according to a Royal Court statement. 

The two leaders stressed the importance of strengthening joint Arab action and unifying efforts in support of reaching comprehensive calm in the region.

Turning to developments in Gaza, the two leaders called for stepping up international efforts to stop the Israeli war and protect civilians. 

His Majesty called on key international actors and relief organisations to intensify their efforts to enhance the humanitarian response in the Strip, the statement said. 

The two leaders reaffirmed their absolute rejection of the displacement of Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza.

The King warned of the danger of unilateral measures against Palestinians in the West Bank and repeated violations of Muslim and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem.

His Majesty stressed the need to step up efforts to create a political horizon to achieve just, comprehensive, and lasting peace, on the basis of the two-state solution.

The talks also covered the situation in Lebanon, with both leaders stressing the importance of ensuring the success of the ceasefire.

Means to enhance the strong ties between the two countries and peoples across all sectors were also discussed.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Director of the Office of His Majesty Alaa Batayneh, General Intelligence Department Director Maj. Gen. Ahmad Husni, and Jordan’s Ambassador to Egypt Amjad Adaileh attended the meeting.

President Al Sisi was present at Cairo International Airport to welcome His Majesty and to bid him farewell.

His Majesty returned to Jordan on Monday, another Royal Court statement said.

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Monday received European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to discuss regional developments and the current situation in Syria.

His Majesty stressed the need to combine international efforts in supporting a peaceful inclusive political transition in Syria, in which all Syrian political and social components are represented, a Royal Court statement said. 

His Majesty affirmed the need to safeguard Syria's unity and stability, while protecting its citizens and national institutions.

The King reaffirmed the need to put an end to the Israeli war on Gaza, increase humanitarian aid to the Strip, and ensure the success of the ceasefire in Lebanon.

In addition, discussions addressed the strategic partnership between Jordan and the European Union, and ways to enhance it across various sectors, the statement said. 

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and Director of the Office of His Majesty Alaa Batayneh attended the meeting.