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AMMAN — A delegation of Jordanian food manufacturers has launched a focused effort to enter the UK market by participating in the International Food & Drink Event 2025 (IFE) in London, which began Monday evening.

The three-day exhibition serves as a key platform for Jordanian companies to present a wide range of products, including confectionery, baked goods, spices, nuts, and specialty foods, to a global audience of buyers and distributors, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

President of the Jordan Exporters Association Ahmad Khudari stressed the importance of the event in fostering new trade relationships and expanding market access.

He highlighted the goal of creating direct connections with international buyers and distributors to showcase the high quality and competitive edge of Jordanian food products, referring to the event's role in business development, especially in the growing halal food sector.

He highlighted that expanding export markets is "crucial" for boosting domestic production, industrial growth, attracting foreign investment, and improving the country's trade balance.

General Manager of the Jordan Exporters Association Halim Abu Rahma revealed "strong interest" from buyers, pointing out that the event is providing Jordanian companies with an "excellent" opportunity to demonstrate their product innovation and high standards.

He also emphasised the association's commitment to helping Jordanian exporters reach key international trade shows, diversifying markets, and exploring new trade avenues.

The UK market, with its large Arab and Muslim consumer base, was described as strategically important, particularly following Brexit.

Abu Rahma encouraged companies to leverage the Jordan-UK free trade agreement to establish a "solid" presence in this market.

The exhibition features 1,500 exhibitors and is expected to attract 30,000 buyers and distributors from over 105 countries.

The Jordan-UK Partnership Agreement, which began in 2021, aims to enhance bilateral trade by offering tariff-free access for Jordanian products.

Last year, trade between the two nations reached JD303 million, with Jordanian exports contributing JD62 million, indicating "substantial" potential for growth.

AMMAN — The Anti-Narcotics Department (AND) on Tuesday announced that police have arrested 13 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 large amounts of illicit drugs and weapons with some of the suspects, according to Police Spokesperson Lt. Col. Amer Sartawi.

One of the major cases, according to Sartawi involved aborting the smuggling of 1.5 kilogrammes of Crystal meth at Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA).

“Customs and AND officers became suspicious that one of the passengers at QAIA had illegal narcotics on him,” Sartawi told The Jordan Times.

Upon searching the passenger, the police official added, they found the illegal narcotics.

“Our investigations led us to arrest two more suspects in the case,” Sartawi said.

Crystal meth is the common name for crystal methamphetamine, a strong and highly addictive drug that affects the central nervous system, according to WebMD.

In other areas of the Kingdom, police arrested eight suspects in several drug bust operations in Northern and Central Badia, Amman, Madaba and Mafraq.

The law-enforcement officers’ seized various quantiles of Hashish, Captagon pills and marijuana, according to Sartawi.

In one case, the police official maintained, police found weapons in possession of two suspected smugglers.

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.

AMMAN — HRH Crown Prince Hussein, the Regent, visited the Anti-Narcotics Department (AND) on Tuesday.

The Crown Prince, accompanied by Public Security Directorate Director Maj. Gen. Obeidallah Maaytah, toured AND’s operations room and its mobile awareness exhibition, according to a Royal Court statement. 

His Royal Highness was briefed by AND Director Brig. Gen. Hassan Qudah on the department’s operational, preventive, and therapeutic efforts, after which the Crown Prince commended AND personnel’s efforts and joined them for iftar, the statement said. 

His Royal Highness also joined the attendees in performing the maghreb prayer.

AMMAN — The Turkish embassy in Amman held a ceremony on Tuesday to commemorate the martyrs of the World War I.

The ceremony was held at the Turkish Martyrs’ Memorial in Salt, who died during World War I. 

The ceremony was attended by Turkish Ambassador to Amman Yakup Caymazoglu and a representative of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Commander of the Royal Jordanian Air Force.

The Turkish ambassador and the representative of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, along with several delegations, laid wreaths at the memorial to the martyrs, while buglers played the Last Post.

The Turkish ambassador and the mayor of Salt delivered speeches during the ceremony, emphasising the deep bilateral relations between of Jordan and Turkey.

AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi met on Tuesday with the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Delegation for Relations with the Mashreq Countries, several members of the Committee on International Trade, and the rapporteurs of the European Parliament’s macro-financial assistance (MFA)  package for Jordan.  

During the discussions, in which Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Zeina Toukan participated, Safadi explored ways to enhance Jordanian-European partnership relations and addressed regional developments, according to a Foreign Ministry statement.  

Safadi expressed his gratitude to Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs MEP David McAllister and the attending members for the European Parliament’s ongoing support for Jordan.

He emphasised the importance of signing the Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership Agreement between Jordan and the European Union during King Abdullah’s visit to the EU on January 29.   He highlighted key aspects of the agreement, the associated aid packages, and the need to begin implementing the roadmap for the new agreement, including expanding cooperation in multiple areas, such as political, economic, investment, security, defence, migration, and refugee affairs.  

Safadi thanked the relevant European Parliament committees for their support of the first tranche of macro-financial assistance to Jordan, amounting to 500 million euros, which is set for a parliamentary vote in the coming months. 

He also stressed the need to expedite the procedures for the second 500 million euro tranche, recently approved by the European Commission, and expected to be reviewed by parliamentary committees before the end of the year.  

Toukan presented an overview of cooperation programmes between Jordan and the EU, as well as the Kingdom’s reform initiatives. 

She emphasised the importance of launching a roadmap for future cooperation to maximise the benefits of the Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership Agreement.  

Toukan also outlined Jordan’s economic opportunities and ongoing development projects.  

Safadi also briefed the European parliamentary committees on the impact of regional crises on Jordan, stressing the need for continued international support to help the kingdom meet the needs of refugees.  

During the meeting, Safadi condemned Israel’s renewed aggression against Gaza and warned of the catastrophic consequences of the ongoing war and Israel’s continued blockade on humanitarian aid.  

He underscored the necessity for Israel to adhere to the ceasefire agreement brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the US and to fully implement its provisions. He warned that resuming hostilities would only lead to further conflict and suffering.  

Safadi reiterated that the only path to lasting security for all parties is a just peace that ensures the Palestinian people’s right to freedom and an independent, sovereign state based on the two-state solution.  

In response to a question, he noted that all Arab countries have collectively affirmed their commitment to Israel’s security within the framework of a just peace based on the two-state solution, which remains the only viable path to resolving the conflict.  

Regarding Syria, Safadi emphasised the need to support the Syrian people in rebuilding their country on a foundation that guarantees unity, security, and sovereignty while safeguarding the rights of all components of society after decades of suffering. 

He pointed to the crucial role of the EU in supporting a new Syria and praised the Brussels Conference on Supporting Syria, held on Monday by the EU, as a significant step in this direction.  

He also warned of the repercussions of Israel’s occupation of Syrian territory, stressing the need for Israeli withdrawal and respect for the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, to which the Syrian government has reaffirmed its commitment. 

On Lebanon, Safadi underscored the importance of supporting the country as it moves forward in restoring its institutions and rebuilding following the election of a new president and prime minister. He also stressed the necessity of supporting the Lebanese army.  

He called on Israel to respect the ceasefire agreement with Lebanon, implement all its provisions, and leave the occupied Lebanese territory as stipulated in the agreement.  

For his part, McAllister reaffirmed the significance of EU-Jordan relations, describing Jordan as a key partner for the EU. He commended Jordan’s role and King Abdullah’s leadership in promoting security, stability, and peace.  

McAllister and the attending MEPs expressed the European Parliament’s support for Jordan as a trusted and reliable partner in the region, with many lawmakers voicing appreciation for their country’s strong relations with the Kingdom.

AMMAN — Prime Minister Jaafar Hassan on Tuesday pledged to begin construction of a state-of-the-art government hospital in Madaba this year, stressing his commitment to enhancing healthcare services in the governorate.

During a Cabinet session in Madaba, the sixth held outside Amman as part of the government’s regional engagement initiative, Hassan said that the hospital, designed to accommodate several medical specialities, is expected to be completed within four years at an estimated cost of JD60 million, with the total cost reaching JD80 million when fully equipped.

As part of efforts to improve transportation, the Prime Minister also unveiled a rapid transit bus service between Madaba and Amman. The new route will feature eight buses operating on a fixed schedule, offering 52 daily trips with direct government subsidies to enhance affordability and accessibility for commuters, according to a Prime Ministry statement. 

Reaffirming a citizen-focused governance approach, Hassan said, “The government puts people first, and there is no place in the public sector for those who do not share this commitment.” He underscored the importance of field visits in shaping policy and responding effectively to local needs.

Recognizing Madaba’s historical and religious significance, Hassan highlighted plans to accelerate restoration and expansion projects, including completing Phase II of the Christian Pilgrimage Trail and opening the Thiban Visitor Centre.

On economic prospects, the prime minister highlighted Jordan’s economy as “resilient and strong,” citing major foreign investments and strategic projects set to launch in 2025 and beyond.

In education, Hassan announced plans to build several new schools, including the Thiban Vocational School for Boys, which will follow the BTEC vocational education system. He also reiterated the government’s commitment to expanding vocational training nationwide to equip students with the technical skills needed for the labour market.

During the session, several ministers outlined a comprehensive development vision for Madaba, detailing projects planned for this year and the years ahead.

AMMAN — Minister of Government Communications  Mohammad Momani on Tuesday announced key decisions made by the Cabinet during its session in Madaba Governorate.

During a press conference following the session chaired by Prime Minister Jafar Hassan, Momani said that the Cabinet approved the Virtual Assets Regulatory Bylaw for 2025, paving the way for its submission to the Lower House for legislative procedures in accordance with constitutional protocols.

The bylaw follows the Cabinet’s recent directive to establish a regulatory framework for virtual asset transactions and aligns with the objectives of the National Council for Future Technology, formed under Royal directives. It aims to keep pace with international technological and economic transformations, ensuring a clear legal framework for virtual assets, which have become an integral part of the international financial system.

The proposed bylaw seeks to balance technological innovation with financial stability by implementing regulatory measures that promote transparency and compliance with international standards. It also aims to create a secure and sustainable digital financial environment, safeguarding the national economy from potential risks while fostering growth and innovation in the sector.

The Cabinet also approved the validating reasons for the insurance bylaw for 2025, which will now be sent to the Legislation and Opinion Bureau for further legal processing. The law seeks to establish a comprehensive legal framework for insurance contracts, addressing gaps in existing civil law and providing a unified legal reference for judicial interpretations.

The Cabinet, in line with the Economic Modernisation Vision, also approved the establishment of a 600-megawatt combined-cycle power plant to be executed by the National Electric Power Company as a private generation initiative, following previous successful models.

The project will be implemented in two phases, with the first phase expected to commence by the end of 2027 and the second in 2028. Located in northern Jordan, the plant will primarily use natural gas, with diesel as a backup fuel. Once operational, it is expected to supply 10 per cent of Jordan’s electricity needs while attracting private sector investment in infrastructure projects.

The Council of Ministers also endorsed the Licensing Bylaw for Medical Clinics and Centres for 2025, setting regulatory standards for medical facilities and defining the conditions required for licensing. The bylaw ensures high-quality healthcare services and mandates registration on the National Electronic Billing System to enhance financial transparency.

The Cabinet also announced a major healthcare project, the construction of a state-of-the-art government hospital in Madaba, with an allocated budget of JD 80 million over four years.

Momani also announced the launch of a new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) route connecting Madaba to Amman. The service will operate eight buses daily, making 52 trips per day, with a government subsidy of JD500,000. The route will follow the airport service road and integrate with Amman’s BRT network, significantly reducing travel time and improving connectivity.

Momani also condemned Israel’s renewed aggression on Gaza, resulting in hundreds of casualties. He described the attack as a violation of human rights and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities.

He reiterated Jordan’s firm stance in support of the Palestinian people, emphasising their right to security, stability, and the establishment of an independent state on the pre-1967 borders, in accordance with international resolutions.

Momani also highlighted His Majesty King Abdullah’s ongoing diplomatic efforts, as the King continues his European tour, urging the international community to take decisive action to end the violence and push for a political solution that guarantees Palestinian rights.

AMMAN — Airport International Group announced on Wednesday that Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA) welcomed 726,635 passengers (PAX) in February, the highest figure ever recorded for the month, marking a 7.4 per cent increase compared with February 2024.

QAIA also recorded 5,724 aircraft movements (ACM), reflecting a 6.1 per cent increase, while cargo volume stood at 5,029 tonnes, down 23.5 per cent from the same period last year, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported

For the first two months of 2025, QAIA handled 1,511,627 passengers, a 10.2 per cent increase year-on-year. Aircraft movements reached 11,785, rising 5.6 per cent, while cargo handling declined by 23.2 per cent to 9,970 tonnes.

Airport International Group CEO Nicolas Deviller highlighted the significance of the record-breaking figures, noting "This new milestone reflects the trust and confidence of passengers worldwide who choose QAIA as their gateway. The recent addition of Libyan Wings to our airline network has further enhanced our connectivity".

He added that the sustained growth in passenger and aircraft movement figures reinforces QAIA’s role as Jordan’s primary aviation hub.

"Building on our recent recognition as the ‘Most Enjoyable Airport in the Middle East’ by Airports Council International World for the second time, we remain committed to providing world-class services and ensuring a seamless travel experience for all passengers," he said.