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AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah received an invitation from Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid to participate in the 34th Ordinary Session of the Council of the League of Arab States at the Summit Level, which is scheduled to take place in Baghdad on 17 May.

The invitation was delivered by Iraq’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein during a meeting with His Majesty on Sunday at Al Husseiniya Palace, according to a Royal Court statement. 

The King asked Hussein to convey his greetings to President Rashid, expressing Jordan’s keenness to ensure the success of the upcoming summit, in the interests of Arab solidarity and Arab causes, particularly in light of current developments in the region.

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

AMMAN  — Prime Minister Jafar Hassan on Sunday commended the Arab Potash Company (APC) for allocating JD30 million over the next three years to support the education and health sectors, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme.

During a meeting with APC Chairman Shehada Abu Hdeib, Hassan underscored the importance of such private sector contributions in complementing government efforts to improve vital public services. He noted that CSR contributions targeting education and health have reached nearly JD170 million over the past two months alone, according to a Prime Ministry statement.

Hassan said that this latest commitment builds on the company’s longstanding support for development and charitable initiatives across local communities.

The prime minister also highlighted key commitments made in recent weeks, including JD90 million from the Association of Banks in Jordan over three years, JD40 million from the Jordan Phosphate Mines Company, and pledges by the Jordan Petroleum Refinery Company and Jordan Free Zones Company to dedicate 5 per cent of their annual profits to CSR.

Hassan stressed the need to institutionalise CSR as a long-term development strategy that remains consistent regardless of changes in government or corporate leadership.

He also stressed that specific projects to be funded through the CSR initiative will be identified on an annual basis, with the first round to be announced next month. "A dedicated account has been established at the Central Bank to manage these funds, which will be disbursed in coordination with contributing companies as implementation progresses," he added.

He also noted that public facilities such as schools and health centres built with private sector support will be clearly marked to promote a culture of giving and strengthen public-private partnerships.

Hassan also commended the APC for expanding its investments and enhancing its global competitiveness, pointing to a recent expansion agreement valued at over $800 million with the American company Palmarl.

Abu Hdeib reiterated the company’s commitment to national development, saying the JD30 million pledge reflects its dedication to supporting government-led initiatives and formalising CSR as a cornerstone of sustainable growth.

“Comprehensive development is not possible without real investment in people,” Abu Hdeib said, noting that the new initiative strengthens the partnership between the public and private sectors.

He added that the new commitment will not affect the company’s existing CSR programmes, which have collectively contributed more than JD66 million over the past five years.

He also said that APC views itself as a national institution equally committed to profitability and meaningful, long-term service to Jordan and its people.

Abu Hdeib also presented key projects under APC’s 2025–2028 strategy, which focuses on expanding operations, boosting global competitiveness, and exploring new opportunities for one of Jordan’s leading industrial companies.

The meeting was also attended by Minister of State for Economic Affairs Muhannad Shehadeh and Government Communication Minister Mohammad Momani.

The government has been actively encouraging the private sector to adopt a more structured and sustainable approach to CSR, particularly in sectors with high developmental and operational impact, with a focus on underserved governorates.

AMMAN — The final statement of the meeting of Group of Parliaments in Support of Palestine, which concluded in Istanbul, underscored the importance of the Hashemite custodianship over Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, as well as the preservation of the identity of the Old City.

"We affirm the significance of the Hashemite custodianship in preserving Jerusalem’s identity and safeguarding its Islamic and Christian holy sites. We stress the importance of maintaining the historical and legal status quo at these sacred locations,” the statement said.

In his opening remarks, Lower House Speaker Ahmad Safadi emphasised the vital role of the Hashemite custodianship, entrusted to His Majesty King Abdullah, which has preserved the identity of the Holy City in the face of ongoing Judaization plans, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Safadi also called for support of the Egyptian plan, adopted by the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, aimed at the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip.

He also urged for coordinated international parliamentary action to push forward the two-state solution as a path to realising the full, undiminished rights of the Palestinian people.

The conference, attended by parliamentary leaders and representatives from Jordan, Turkey, Palestine, Egypt, the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Algeria, Malaysia, Pakistan, Senegal, and Azerbaijan, called on the international community to take a unified and firm stance against the genocide being perpetrated by Israel against Palestinian civilians in Gaza for more than a year and a half.

The participants considered the continued international silence as an unjustifiable failure, contrary to humanitarian principles and international law.

The final statement demanded the guarantee of the Palestinian refugees’ right of return, expressed support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), and rejected attempts to undermine its role. It also firmly opposed any plans aimed at altering the demographic composition, character, or legal status of the occupied Palestinian territories, and rejected all schemes to forcibly displace the Palestinian people.

AMMAN — Jordan’s tourism sector witnessed a strong upswing in the first quarter of 2025, with international arrivals reaching around 1.5 million, a 13 per cent increase from the same period in 2024, when arrivals stood at around 1.3 million.

Tourism experts and academics view the increase in visitor numbers and tourism-generated income as a clear sign of the sector’s ongoing recovery. Speaking to The Jordan Times, they said the rise reflects renewed international interest and growing momentum in inbound travel to the Kingdom.

Ahmad Odeh, an expert in hospitality operations and tourism management, described the growth as “an indication of renewed momentum in the sector,” noting that tourism is once again playing a vital role in supporting Jordan’s economy.

The improvement has been largely attributed to recent government efforts to streamline entry procedures. One key measure by the Ministry of Interior allows foreign residents in Gulf countries and select other nations to enter Jordan without prior approvals, a move commended by industry stakeholders.

Tourism development consultant Noura Hadid also pointed to ongoing promotional campaigns led by the Tourism Ministry, saying they have enhanced Jordan’s global visibility and strengthened its appeal as a unique travel destination.

Despite the positive indicators, experts emphasised the need to maintain momentum. Continued investment in domestic and international marketing, as well as efforts to diversify tourism offerings, are essential for sustained growth.

Economist Waseem Hussein said that improving regional stability has contributed to the rise in tourist arrivals. “It reinforces Jordan’s image as a safe and attractive destination in the region,” he added, highlighting the importance of continued collaboration between the public and private sectors.

AMMAN — On behalf of Her Majesty Queen Rania, Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Mohammad Khalayleh on Saturday attended the opening of the 20th Women’s International Hashemite Competition for Memorisation of the Holy Koran.

In his remarks at the opening ceremony, Khalayleh reiterated Jordan’s longstanding dedication to promoting Quranic education and memorisation. 

He highlighted the Kingdom’s extensive network of Koranic centres across the country and its continued efforts in organising and participating in local and international Quran competitions.

Khalayleh noted that Her Majesty’s sponsorship of the event reflects a deep commitment to empowering young Muslim women and strengthening their relationship with the Holy Koran, not only in terms of recitation, but as a comprehensive way of life guided by its principles.

He also underscored the importance of a sound understanding of the Koran as a foundation for ethical conduct, the promotion of justice, compassion, and tolerance, as well as the preservation of social harmony and national security.

Director of Women’s Affairs at the Ministry Lamis Hazaymeh said that this year’s competition brings together 44 participants from 40 Arab and Islamic countries, in addition to Jordan. She commended the ministry’s sustained efforts in organising the annual competition over the past two decades.

Launched under Royal support in 1993, the competition is one of the oldest and most prestigious international Quran competitions of its kind. It includes national and international categories for both men and women, and has seen nearly 45,000 participants since its inception.

AMMAN — HRH Princess Basma, president of the Jordanian National Commission for Women (JNCW), on Thursday chaired a meeting of the Commission's Council, describing the recent adoption of a new law governing the JNCW as a “milestone” in advancing women's rights in Jordan.

In her address to council members, Princess Basma said the legislation represents a pivotal step in both the institutional development of the Commission and the broader progress of Jordanian women, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

She emphasised that the law aligns with the Kingdom’s national modernisation vision and will play a key role in enhancing women’s participation in political, economic and social spheres.

“This law reflects a clear vision of women's essential contribution to national development,” the Princess said. She also commended the cooperative efforts between the Commission and various stakeholders that led to the law’s approval.

Minister of Social Development and Head of the Ministerial Committee for Women’s Empowerment, Wafa Bani Mustafa, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working closely with the JNCW to empower women and expand their role across society.

Minister of Political and Parliamentary Affairs Abdulmunim Oudat said the law embodies the political will to integrate women, youth, and all segments of society into Jordan’s broader modernisation and development efforts.

JNCW Secretary General Maha Ali presented the Commission’s 2024 Annual Performance Report, highlighting key achievements and outlining strategic priorities for 2025. These include a focus on legislative advocacy, economic and political empowerment, and public awareness initiatives.

Ali also shared preliminary findings from a mid-term evaluation of the National Strategy for Women 2020–2025, aimed at assessing the impact of current efforts and informing future initiatives.

AMMAN — The Southern Military Zone on Friday foiled a smuggling attempt using a drone along the western front within its area of responsibility.

A military source from the General Command of the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army (JAF), the border guards, in cooperation with military security agencies and the Anti-Narcotics Department, applied the rules of engagement after detecting and tracking the drone, which was dealt with and brought down inside Jordanian territory, according to a JAF statement.

The source stressed that JAF remains committed to utilising its various capabilities and resources to prevent all forms of smuggling, ensuring the security and stability of the Kingdom.

According to a recent statement to The Jordan Times, the Military Media Directorate said that there has been a noticeable shift in smuggling activities towards the southern borders of the Kingdom.

“The reasons behind this shift are multifaceted, rooted in a combination of rigorous security measures, regional instability, and the ingenuity of the criminal networks involved in drug trafficking,” the directorate added.

“In response to this evolving threat, the JAF has deployed a combination of high-tech solutions and strategic military initiatives, including the use of advanced surveillance technologies such as drones and satellite systems to monitor remote border areas, allowing the military to detect smuggling attempts in real time.”

AMMAN — The Arab and International Organisation to Construct in Palestine on Saturday convened its forum in Istanbul under the theme “From Rubble, We Build Hope,” drawing broad participation from Jordanian, Arab, and international stakeholders.

The Jordanian Contractors Association (JCA) participated in the forum’s sessions and in meetings of the Supreme Committee for Reconstruction in Palestine, represented by JCA President Fouad Duwairi.

In his remarks, Duwairi underscored the association’s active role in supporting reconstruction efforts in Palestine and Gaza, highlighting financial contributions made by Jordanian contractors and technical studies conducted by the JCA on reconstruction methodologies.

He reaffirmed the association’s steadfast commitment to the Palestinian people, especially in Gaza, and pledged the continued engagement of Jordanian contractors in rebuilding efforts.

Duwairi noted that Jordanian contractors have donated machinery and equipment to support reconstruction and debris removal operations. "A detailed list of these resources has been submitted to the reconstruction committee."

He added that the removal and processing of rubble are expected to take approximately one year, with Gaza divided into designated operational zones to facilitate the process.

The JCA, Duwairi said, has also participated in several international conferences aimed at identifying effective mechanisms for recycling construction materials to support sustainable rebuilding in Gaza.

At the forum’s conclusion, the Arab and International Organisation to Construct in Palestine honoured Duwairi in recognition of the JCA’s active engagement and significant contributions to reconstruction initiatives.