Jordan, US discuss cooperation in energy sector

AMMAN — Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Hala Zawati on Monday discussed with US Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources Francis Fannon bilateral cooperation in the energy sector.

During the meeting, Zawati briefed Fannon on the sector’s development and achievements, noting that 99 per cent of Jordan’s population is covered by the national grid, according to a ministry statement.

The minister highlighted the variety of energy sources utilised and the contribution of renewable energy projects to the grid, which currently stands at 12 per cent of the total electricity consumed.

Zawati also stressed the importance of electricity connection with neighbouring countries towards enhancing the stability of the electrical system, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

For his part, Fannon affirmed his country’s commitment to providing all forms of support to Jordan’s energy sector, according to Petra.

Also on Monday, Minister of Planning and International Cooperation and Minister of State for Economic Affairs Mohamad Al-Ississ met with Fannon. They discussed the priorities and areas of developing cooperation between Jordan and the US, especially in the energy sector.

The minister briefed the US official on the economic reforms the government has recently implemented, and the priorities for the next stage that will reinforce growth, create job opportunities and improve public services.

Fannon praised Jordan's pivotal role in achieving stability in the region, and its efforts to achieve economic growth and development, especially in the energy sector, Petra reported.