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- King says Jordan has always stood by its Syrian brothers, sisters since start of crisis

- His Majesty praises efforts, sacrifices of border guards to maintain Jordan's stability, expressing pride in their continued efforts

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah said on Sunday that Jordan stands with the Syrian people and respects their will and choices.

Chairing a National Security Council meeting, His Majesty stressed the need to safeguard Syria’s security, and the safety and achievements of its citizens, and to work urgently to ensure stability and avoid any conflict that could lead to chaos, according to a Royal Court statement.  

The King said Jordan has always stood by its Syrian brothers and sisters since the start of the crisis, welcoming Syrian refugees over the last decade and providing them with education, healthcare, and other services, the same services afforded to Jordanians.

His Majesty noted that the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army and security agencies have worked relentlessly over the past years to maintain the country's security and safeguard its borders, stressing that they will continue to protect Jordan and Jordanians, the statement said. 

The King praised the efforts and sacrifices of border guards to maintain Jordan's stability, expressing pride in their continued efforts.

AMMAN — With prosecution, compulsory military service and revenge becoming less of a concern in Syria following the recent developments, analysts argued that the question of refugees' return to their homeland is no more a guesswork but a probability. 

Opposition forces seized control of the capital Damascus on Sunday, forcing President Bashar Al Assad to leave the country and ending over five decades of Assad family rule. 

The rebel forces published videos on Telegram and other social media platforms, showing fighters opening prisons in Damascus and other cities and releasing thousands. Other videos showed rebels assuring people of safety, security and freedom while policing the crowds and traffic movement. 

The development has raised questions about the potential return of Syrian refugees, including those in Jordan, which hosts hundreds of thousands displaced by the conflict.

The UNHCR has reiterated refugees' right to return to their country whenever they choose to do so. 

"Any refugee return must be voluntary, dignified and safe. UNHCR has been working with all stakeholders to address what refugees identify as obstacles to their return to end their displacement," the UN refugee agency said on X platform. 

Meanwhile, analysts told The Jordan Times on Sunday that refugees might now consider going back home, with prosecution, military conscription and other restrictions becoming less of a concern.  

Former Minister of Media Affairs Samih Maaytah emphasized that Jordan will continue hosting refugees under its international commitments. However, he acknowledged that the changing political climate in Syria might encourage many to consider returning.

“Some left Syria due to security concerns, opposition to the government, military conscription, or financial penalties. These factors have largely been addressed by recent developments in Syria,” Maaytah, chairman of the Jordan Press Foundation.  

He explained that some of the refugees have homes they left back at the beginning of the war in Syria [in 2011] that they can use when they go back. "This would make their return probably easier."

"Jordan, once stability is restored in Syria, should work with the new Syrian government and international organisations to ensure safe repatriation and provide support for rebuilding homes."

“Previously, the idea of refugees returning was unrealistic due to Syria’s instability and economic struggles. Now, the situation has changed and returning to their homes is preferable to remaining in camps or working in unsuitable conditions."

Strategic analyst Amer Sabaileh urged caution, highlighting the complexities of refugee repatriation. "While the developments in Syria create a potential opportunity for return, the situation remains uncertain, especially for refugees in Jordan. Stability must be firmly established before any large-scale repatriation can take place."

Sabaileh also pointed out that Lebanon, which hosts a similarly large refugee population, may take precedence in immediate efforts due to its dire economic and social conditions. "For Jordan, the path forward remains foggy."

According to official figures, Jordan is home to around 1.3 million Syrians, including nearly 660,000 refugees registered UNHCR, out of more than 5 million Syrian refugees in Jordan and neighboring countries.

AMMAN — The Ministry of Water and Irrigation on Sunday launched a $24 million digital transformation project to improve water supply efficiency and support the sector's strategic goal of reducing water loss.

The project inauguration was attended by Chief of Party of USAID's Building Water Infrastructure Programme Cecile Toupiol, alongside officials from the water sector, representatives from water companies Miyahuna, Aqaba, and Yarmouk, and other USAID representatives, according to a ministry statement. 

Secretary-General of the Water Authority of Jordan (WAJ) Wael Duwairi highlighted the importance of partnerships with USAID and the adoption of modern technologies to protect water resources and enhance operational and technical capabilities to improve the quality of water services delivered to citizens.

Duwairi stressed the critical role of operational digital transformation, highlighting that the project’s main objective is to provide real-time operational data for the water sector to enable remote monitoring and management of all water sources and systems across the Kingdom.

Topel outlined the project’s key components, noting its expected impact over the next three years, including enhanced monitoring of water resources, reduced water loss, improved response times, lower operating and maintenance costs, and increased efficiency.

The project will also assess the water sector's need to develop advanced SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems. 

These systems aim to establish a unified, secure, and advanced digital framework for Jordan's water sector. 

By leveraging accurate and timely data, SCADA will enhance water distribution networks, ensuring fair and efficient distribution across the Kingdom, according to the statement. 

AMMAN — The value of certificates of origin issued by the Amman Chamber of Commerce (ACC) in the first 11 months of 2024 amounted to JD1.276 billion, "slightly" lower than the JD1.288 billion recorded during the same period in 2023.

The ACC said that the number of certificates issued increased by 8.9 per cent, totalling 36,342 compared with 33,379 certificates during the same period last year, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra. 

Saudi Arabia accounted for the highest number of certificates issued, with 10,869, followed by the UAE with 3,892, Iraq with 2,493, Egypt with 1,086, and Switzerland with 25.

In terms of export value, Iraq topped the list with JD645 million, followed by Saudi Arabia with JD108 million, Egypt with JD96 million, the UAE with JD75 million, and Switzerland with JD50 million.

By product category, re-exported foreign goods represented the largest share, totalling JD639 million, followed by industrial products at JD270 million, agricultural goods at JD177 million, and Arab-origin goods at JD83 million. The remainder was distributed across other categories.

Certificates of origin are essential documents in international trade, certifying that goods in a shipment are produced, manufactured, or processed in a specific country.

Customs authorities rely on these certificates to verify the origin and eligibility of goods for import or export.

The ACC issues certificates for agricultural, livestock, and natural resource products of Jordanian origin, as well as for re-exported foreign goods and foreign goods purchased locally under specific conditions. 

Certificates for Jordanian industrial products are provided upon exporters' requests, based on original factory invoices and certified documents verifying the goods' Jordanian origin.

The process of issuing certificates is governed by Article 29 of the Jordan Chamber of Commerce Law No. 45 of 2009 and the 2013 Instructions for Issuing Certificates of Origin.

AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Sunday reiterated Jordan's commitment to closely monitoring the situation in Syria, expressing deep concern for the country’s security, stability, and the welfare of its people.

Safadi stressed Jordan's steadfast support for Syria’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, according to a Foreign Ministry statement.  

He also emphasised the Kingdom's readiness to assist the Syrian people in rebuilding their country and institutions, while fostering a political framework that guarantees their rights and aspirations.

The minister also highlighted the importance of supporting a Syrian-led political process aimed at establishing a system that ensures security, stability, and dignity for all Syrians. 

He also cautioned against the potential for further chaos in Syria, underscoring the critical need to preserve national institutions to prevent greater turmoil.

Safadi also reiterated Jordan’s willingness to provide any necessary assistance to the Syrian people, reaffirming the Kingdom’s dedication to supporting Syria’s recovery and ensuring a prosperous future for its citizens.

AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Saturday participated in a meeting held in the Qatari capital, Doha, over the latest developments in Syria. 

The meeting brought together Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aty, Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, according to a Foreign Ministry statement.

The meeting also saw Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Russian President's Special Envoy on Syria Alexander Lavrentiev. 

In a joint statement addressing recent events in Syria, the participants emphasised that the ongoing Syrian crisis constitutes a severe threat to the country's stability, as well as to regional and international security.

They stressed the urgent need for all parties to work toward a political solution that would stop military operations and protect civilians from the consequences of the crisis. 

The attendees also agreed on the importance of enhancing international efforts to increase sustainable humanitarian aid delivery to the Syrian people.

The ministers underscored the necessity of ceasing military operations as a prelude to launching an inclusive political process based on United Nations Security Council Resolution 2254. 

They reiterated their commitment to preserving Syria’s unity, sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, shielding the country from descending into chaos and terrorism, and ensuring the voluntary return of refugees and displaced persons.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the participants were briefed on the situation in Syria by UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen, reiterating their support for the United Nations' efforts to achieve a political solution to the Syrian crisis based on Resolution 2254.

On the sidelines of the event, Safadi held meetings with the attending foreign ministers and officials.

AMMAN — Prime Minister Jafar Hassan visited Tafileh on Sunday as part of his weekly tour of the Kingdom, inspecting several education, youth, and social initiatives.

During the tour, Hassan visited the Kaab Bin Umair School in Ghor Al Safi, where he reviewed the progress of a major maintenance project that was launched two months ago following his directive, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra.

Hassan stressed the importance of maintaining the upgraded facilities at the school, which serves 815 students, calling for cooperative efforts to ensure a supportive educational environment, regular maintenance, and cleanliness standards.

Renovations at the school included the installation of solar panels, air conditioning, and a water filtration system, along with additional improvements such as landscaping, the creation of a playground, and a garden, and the development of outdoor spaces for various student activities.

The prime minister also visited the Community Development Centre in Ain Al Bayda. He commended the staff for their dedication and the high quality of services and programmes provided. 

Hassan also reiterated the government’s commitment to expanding these initiatives within available resources.

At the Basira Charity, which houses a public library, a language centre, and an IT facility, Hassan interacted with beneficiaries of training programmes and reviewed the services offered. 

He stressed the need for expanding these community-based activities to better serve local residents.

Hassan also toured the Basira Sports Club, accompanied by the minister of youth, recognising the management, coaches, and athletes for their accomplishments, particularly in judo. 

He also reiterated the government’s support for sports clubs and their essential role in nurturing talent across all age groups. 

Hassan also instructed the rehabilitation of a new sports hall for the club and the provision of necessary training equipment to enhance its programmes.

The prime minister, accompanied by the minister of education, also visited the Al Jurf Secondary School for Boys, where he met with students, teachers, and members of the community to assess the school's needs and instructed the expansion of ongoing renovations. He also stressed the importance of providing resources to support student activities and improve the school's overall facilities.

At the Al Jurf Secondary School for Girls, Hassan called for comprehensive maintenance, including rehabilitation of the facilities, enhancement of outdoor areas, and regular upkeep to ensure the continuity of the educational process.

Hassan was joined on the visit by Governor of Tafileh Omar Zuyoud.