Germany, Jordan sign aid package worth 462.12 million euros

AMMAN — Planning and International Cooperation Minister Mary Kawar and German Federal Minister of Economic Cooperation and Development Gerd Muller, on Tuesday signed an aid package worth 462.12 million euros ($529.94 million) in grants for technical assistance, concessional loans and grants for Syrian refugees.

According to a statement sent by the Planning Ministry, 291.8 million euros ($334.62 million) will be allocated to support vital sectors, of which 164 million euros ($188.07 million) will go towards water, sanitation, environment, solid waste management, education, vocational and technical training in order to create more jobs.

The aid also includes 25.8 million (29.59 million) as technical grants and 102 million euros ($116.97 million) as concessional loans to support the water and sanitation sectors and to increase energy efficiency in these two sectors.

The amount also included 73.32 million euros (84.08 million) for Syrian refugee projects and Jordanian host communities to be handled by the UN and other non-governmental organisations.

According to the agreement, 86 million euros ($98.62 million) will be allocated for a soft loan to support the public budget and economic reforms in the Kingdom, which is the amount that was announced by the Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel, during her visit to Jordan last June.

During the signing ceremony, Kawar briefed the German delegation on the economic burdens the Kingdom faces and the government’s reform projects, stressing that the government is continuing a comprehensive reform process and transforming these challenges into opportunities to enhance Jordan’s resilience and preserve macroeconomic stability.

Minister Kawar expressed appreciation for the German support that has contributed to the implementation of various projects, as well as helping refugees and host communities.

Jager said that Germany will remain a “reliable and strong” strategic partner for Jordan, supporting it to remain resilient and capable of dealing with challenges stemming from regional crises. 

State Secretary for Economic Cooperation Martin Jager, Jordan’s Ambassador to Germany Bashir Zu’bi, Water Ministry Secretary General Ali Soboh, Education Ministry Secretary General Sami Salaytah and Labour Ministry Secretary General Hani Kliefat attended the signing ceremony.