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— Momani visits The Jordan Times on 50th anniversary, meets with editorial team
— He says Jordan advances reform, modernisation across all sectors
— Minister says reform agenda strengthens governance, transparency
AMMAN — Minister of Government Communication and Government Spokesperson Mohammad Momani paid a visit to The Jordan Times on Tuesday and made an exclusive interview with the editorial team on the occasion of the newspaper’s 50th anniversary.
Congratulating the editorial team on the anniversary, Momani said, “Marking 50 years of continuous English-language journalism, The Jordan Times has provided Jordan with a platform to communicate directly with the English-speaking world and with Jordanians at home and abroad.”
“The Jordan Times remains a trusted source of credible and professional journalism, committed to original reporting in English that meets international standards of accuracy, depth, and responsibility. As it transitions into the digital era while preserving its print legacy, The Jordan Times expands its reach across online platforms and social media, and continues to represent Jordan’s voice with integrity and openness. Your work exemplifies the vital role of media in informing society, fostering dialogue, and supporting transparency and development,” Momani said.
Asked how does the His Majesty King Abdullah’s Speech from the Throne shape the government’s priorities for the coming year, Momani said, “The Speech from the Throne serves as our compass and roadmap for the year ahead. It sets the direction for reform, modernisation, and service improvement. Jordan remains in a constant state of action and progress - an ongoing workshop for reform and modernisation across all sectors.”
Momani added that, under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah and HRH Crown Prince Hussein, “Jordan continues to exemplify wisdom, balance and foresight in navigating regional and global challenges, earning enduring respect internationally.”
He also said that in line with His Majesty’s directives in the Letter of Designation, the government has focused on translating this vision into tangible reforms across all sectors.
“Guided by the three tracks of the comprehensive reform spearheaded by His Majesty - political, economic, and administrative - we have worked to strengthen the political system, advance economic growth and improve public services for citizens.”
The minister also said that the government’s efforts are closely coordinated and systematically implemented, including the Prime Minister’s field visits which, he added, are planned, executed and monitored institutionally through dedicated field teams. “Their details are shared in periodic reports published approximately every three months.”
“Over the past year, we have worked diligently to overcome challenges while ensuring that citizens experience measurable improvements in their daily lives. Looking back, it is clear that progress relies on collaboration, dialogue, and the informed participation of all partners, including the media. Opinion leaders and journalists play a central role in Jordan’s modernisation and reform efforts, and we view the media as a true partner in this process.”
On political reform and the progress achieved in the modernisation endeavour, Momani said, “Political modernisation remains a core part of our reform agenda, and we have made significant progress in this area. The government has worked to enhance cooperation with the House of Representatives to advance draft laws and ensure effective interaction within the constitutional, legislative and oversight framework - all aimed at strengthening the political modernisation track.”
Momani explained that during the current parliamentary session, which the King inaugurated on Sunday, several key bills will be discussed, including the General Budget Law, the Social Security Law and the Local Administration Law. “The Military Service Law will be submitted to Parliament to enable the Armed Forces to implement national service, as announced by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince.”
Describing the Local Administration Law as a “landmark reform,” the minister said that the bill will strengthen governance and financial discipline in municipalities, and contributing to both the political and administrative modernisation tracks.
“These efforts demonstrate our commitment to ensuring that institutions are transparent, accountable, and responsive to citizens, in line with the comprehensive reform agenda.
Asked about his assessment of Jordan’s economic performance amid current challenges, Momani said, “Despite external turmoil, Jordan’s economy has shown remarkable resilience. Our credit rating has remained stable (BB-), and we’ve seen growth in exports and foreign investments. The Amman Financial Market has achieved performance levels unseen in more than 15 years.”
“In our first year, the government issued over 168 economic decisions to support economic activities, ease burdens on citizens and encourage investment. Customs duties and vehicle taxes were reduced, penalties were waived, property acquisition fees were lowered, and new incentives were introduced in Aqaba. Industrial and agricultural incentives were implemented in several areas most notably Karak and Tafileh.”
Momani said that processes for investors to obtain citizenship and residency have been streamlined, “reflecting a clear to implement process to drive growth, create jobs, and attract investments in partnership with the private sector, which remains a cornerstone of our economic strategy.”
On progress achieved in infrastructure, basic services and agriculture, Momani said that the government continues implementing major projects in water, energy and transport, mainly the National Water Carrier Project, set to begin construction early next year.
“In transport, we have achieved tangible steps, including regular inter-governorate transport between Karak, Irbid and Jerash with Amman, and the successful Amman–Madaba BRT route, which will be expanding to neighboring governorates.”
To cover basic services in the health sector, Momani said that health insurance coverage has been expanded to 4.1 million citizens. “New hospitals have expanded or started construction in Madaba, Irbid, Ma’an, and Tafileh, supported by more than 1,800 doctors and nurses.”
In the education sector, he said that 30 new schools have opened, with 85 more planned for next year, and 12,000 teachers have been trained. “Funding for the University Student Support Fund has also increased by 50 per cent, reaching JD30 million.”
“The government is implementing dozens of projects to establish or expand hospitals, health centers and schools in various governorates. Private sector initiatives in social responsibility complement these efforts, reinforcing the overall improvement of services. The private sector continues to be a key partner in all economic and developmental programs.”
In the agriculture sector, Momani said that the government has signed eight investment agreements for land development in Al Hammad and Al Sarhan. “Fourteen agricultural factories have been set up, half already operational. We’ve trained more than 4,000 youth and farmers in modern agricultural techniques, supported 233 farms with modern irrigation systems and dug over 5,000 rainwater collection wells, tangible steps toward food security and rural empowerment.”
The minister said that the government has digitised 80 per cent of government services and connected 659 government, health and educational facilities through fiber-optic networks. “We launched the National Digital Inclusion Policy and established new integrated service centers to deliver faster, more efficient services to citizens. This transformation enhances transparency and accessibility, making government more responsive and efficient.”
On the government’s priorities for the media sector, Momani said that the executive plan for the Public Policy on Media and Communication (2026–2030) has been finalised.
He added that the plan outlines our roadmap for developing the media ecosystem.
“We have held 18 specialised meetings involving 269 journalists and media institutions and professionals. We also hosted the 2024 Global Media and Information Literacy Week in Amman, in partnership with the UNESCO, which produced the “Amman Declaration.”
“This reaffirmed Jordan’s leadership as a regional center for media and information literacy MIL, professionalism and responsible communication. “
Asked about the progress made in institutional communication and transparency, he said that the government is underway to strengthen the government communication system to enhance dialogue between institutions and citizens.
“The spokespersons’ network, under direct oversight of prime minister, is being restructured with upcoming training, institutional assessments, and a dedicated administrative framework, which is an unprecedented step.”
“Prime Minister Jafar Hassan personally meets regularly with media and press leaders to discuss with them plans and government projects across all sectors. This reflects our belief that an informed public and a professional media sector are essential partners in modernisation and reform.”
On the evolving regional situation, particularly with regard to Palestine and Syria, Momani said that Jordan’s position, under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah, is “firm, principled, and consistent.”
“Our humanitarian and political efforts toward Gaza continue - a source of pride for every Jordanian and Arab. Supporting our Palestinian brothers and sisters is a moral and humanitarian duty, and above all, a strategic Jordanian interest.”
“His Majesty’s intensive diplomacy has encouraged more countries to recognize the State of Palestine and to uphold international law. Meanwhile, Israel’s recent policies aimed at annexing parts of the West Bank are unilateral and illegal under international law. We value international efforts, including those of the United States, in rejecting such measures.”
The minister said that Jordan continues to support all regional and international initiatives aimed at ending the war on Gaza, alleviating the suffering of Palestinians, and achieving a just and lasting peace based on the two-state solution, the establishment of an independent, sovereign Palestinian state, with East Jerusalem as its capital, living side by side with Israel in peace and security.
“His Majesty King Abdullah also remains steadfast in his role as Custodian of the Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, working tirelessly to safeguard them and to preserve the historical and legal status quo in the Holy City.”
Momani also said that “Jordan’s stance is also clear regarding any future arrangements: Jordan will not have any military role in the West Bank or Gaza.”
“As for Syria, our relations continue to develop positively through ongoing dialogue on issues that serve the interests of both countries. Our position is clear: we want Syria to be stable, united, and secure. Jordan remains committed to supporting Syria’s territorial integrity and stability, under the continued guidance of His Majesty King Abdullah, who directs efforts to enhance cooperation across multiple sectors. At the same time, Jordan remains fully committed to the voluntary return of refugees, in full accordance with international law and humanitarian principles.”
