King receives World Bank Group president

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Sunday received World Bank Group President David Malpass at Basman Palace.

King Abdullah expressed appreciation of the longstanding partnership with the World Bank Group, commending the group’s prompt response to the priorities that Jordan raised in July. The priorities included working with the government on its 2022-2023 plan, which seeks to enhance the economy’s resilience and recovery, according to a Royal Court statement.

His Majesty said Jordan counts on the bank’s support in a number of priority sectors, including energy, tourism, transportation, job creation, and enhancing the social safety net. His Majesty stressed the importance of bolstering cooperation to promote the business and investment environment, and supporting public-private partnerships through the bank’s International Finance Corporation.

For his part, Malpass commended Jordan’s efforts in addressing poverty, boosting the business environment and enhancing the growth of the private sector, which helps in creating job opportunities, said the statement.

The World Bank Group president expressed appreciation of Jordan’s support for refugees, including providing them with education, job opportunities and health services, stressing the importance of the bank’s partnership with Jordan.

The meeting also covered possible World Bank Group support for Jordan’s efforts in enhancing regional economic integration, and energy connectivity projects in the region.

Prime Minister Bisher Khasawneh, Director of the Office of His Majesty Jafar Hassan, Energy Minister Hala Zawati, Planning Minister Nasser Shraideh, and a number of World Bank Group officials attended the meeting.