Jordan committed to protecting border with Saudi Arabia — PM

AMMAN — Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour on Thursday underlined Jordan's commitment to preserve security on its borders with neighbouring countries, especially Saudi Arabia, and protect them from all threats.

During a meeting with Saudi Transport Minister Abdullah Al Miqbil in the presence of Prince Khaled Bin Alwaleed Bin Talal and the Saudi delegation taking part in meetings of the Joint Jordanian-Saudi Committee, Ensour highlighted the deep-rooted Jordanian-Saudi ties in all fields, voicing appreciation for Riyadh's support to Amman and the Arab and Islamic causes. 

Ensour also voiced Jordan's willingness to enhance its cooperation with Saudi Arabia and keenness to attract more Saudi and Gulf investments, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

The premier also said that Jordan is looking forward to accomplishing the railway project between the two countries, citing its significance in serving common interests and linking them with other countries in the region and with Europe, according to Petra.

Ensour said that the government is now drafting a bill governing an envisioned  investment fund to lure investments from sovereign funds in partner countries. The bill will be sent to Parliament and given urgency status, the premier said, expressing readiness to solve any problem facing Saudi investors in Jordan.  

In his Speech from the Throne, delivered at the opening of the 17th Parliament’s third ordinary session, His Majesty King Abdullah called on the government to present draft legislation that stipulates the establishment of an investment fund.

“This fund should attract investments from banks, Arab sovereign wealth funds, private sector enterprises and individuals, targeting national developmental and pioneering projects that yield benefits to the national economy as well as those contributing to the fund,” His Majesty said.

Ensour also briefed the Saudi delegation on Jordan’s burdens resulting from hosting millions of Syrian refugees, Petra reported.

For his part, Al Miqbil said the deep-rooted Jordanian-Saudi relations should be reflected in more economic exchange between the two countries, adding that he will brief the Saudi private sector on the projected railway project, Petra said. 

Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply Maha Ali noted that trade exchange between Jordan and Saudi Arabia saw a considerable increase in 2014, reaching $5.3 billion, according to Petra. 

Also on Thursday, Jordan and Saudi Arabia signed minutes of meeting to activate a system for the transfer of convicted prisoners in custodial penalties back to their countries, according to Petra.