The visit of the Italian MFA Luigi Di Maio for a stronger relationship between Italy and Jordan

The visit of the Italian Foreign Minister, Luigi Di Maio, to Amman on January 9-10, has witnessed the solidity and importance of the friendship that binds our peoples and nations. Following the visit of the Italian President of the Republic  Sergio Mattarella on April 9-11, 2019, the mission of the member of the Italian government has proved to be an opportunity to share views and launch new initiatives in the context of the new global challenges of the pandemic.

There are many aspects of common interest that the Italian minister has discussed with Prime Minister Bisher Al Khasawneh, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ayman Safadi, Minister of International Cooperation and Planning Nasser Shraideh  and Minister of Trade, Industry and Supplies Maha Al Ali.

 Italy and Jordan work side by side in regional security challenges. We believe that the crises affecting the Middle East and the Mediterranean must be tackled from a multilateral perspective and that EU can play a very effective role in this regard. In particular, we believe it is essential to revive the Middle East peace process on the basis of a just, sustainable, realistic, and directly negotiated two-state solution between the parties. On Syria, Iraq, Libya, we share a similar approach based on dialogue and refusal of any extremism and violence. In order to be more effective and coordinated we have decided to further strengthen our political consultation mechanisms.

Italy will continue to support Jordan in its development through a new Memorandum on Development Cooperation. In the previous period 2017-2019 we have financed projects in the education sector and to support economic growth, the efficient use of resources (e.g. sustainable tourism, SMEs development, etc.), social cohesion and governance. For next triennium, we are focusing on fewer priority sectors (among others, agriculture, food security, preservation of cultural heritage and promotion of sustainable tourism). To that end, we are allocating 235 million euros in grants, loans and possible debt swap scheme. As for humanitarian assistance, since 2012 we have allocated approximately 500 million euros to address the impact of Syrian crisis, in favour of both the most vulnerable Syrian refugees and host communities. In this context collaboration with Jordanian authorities, UN Funds and Programs, and NGOs has proved extremely effective. As a Member State of EU, Italy contributes, of course, to all programs implemented in Jordan by the Europeans Institutions. We have also decided to strengthen trade and investments through specific projects and private sector initiatives, such as a business forum focused on agro-food industry and relevant technology and innovation.

Minister Di Maio has also illustrated the 2021 Italian Presidency of the G-20 Group. In our vision, we must take care of the planet and people with a holistic approach. Our peoples have to pursue the goal of a substantial economic recovery at the same time with inclusiveness and sustainability. Our Presidency wants to address global governance issues through three pillars, People, Planet and Prosperity. In brief, fighting against poverty and against inequality are two sides of the same coin. Gender equality and the need to ensure that the economic crisis triggered by the pandemic does not disproportionately affect women are also part of this pillar.

If we think to the planet, our commitment must address environmental sustainability and the climate. In 2021 our country, in addition to holding the Presidency of the G-20, will be UK’s partner in COP26, the United Nations Conference of the Parties on Climate Change. To contain emissions and achieve the Paris Goals, we must reflect on issues such as urban reforestation, new urban mobility, the sustainability of buildings and the energy future of cities with a view to progressive energy transition towards renewable sources, and creation of a circular economy model.

As confirmed by Minister Di Maio, Italy and Jordan share a common vision of prosperity as economic inclusion, supporting SMEs and facilitating their inclusion in global value chains. World Trade Organisation reform, of course, will continue to be a priority for us, as well as the digital revolution into an engine of opportunity for all, rather than a source of insecurity, as has too often happened in recent years. Infrastructures will have to play a key role in this sense, as a tool for social inclusion.

The visit focused indeed on the pandemic. The unprecedented effort to get rapidly a vaccine to fight the virus is encouraging. But, the road to the victory is still long. So far, G-20 nations have allocated a total of over 21 billion dollars to produce treatments, as well as injecting billions of capital to support economies in lockdown and in crisis of demand. We need to rationalize and coordinate development cooperation activities engaging multilateral development banks, private and local authorities. The Italian Presidency will host the Health World Forum in Rome in May: a precious opportunity to coordinate our efforts and discuss the most effective strategies to quickly overcome this global crisis.

The visit of Minister Di Maio underlined once again Italy's engagement for the great issues affecting humanity of our time. We are confident that together with Jordan we will be able to play a constructive role in the region and in the Mediterranean, a privileged place of exchanges and friendship that can be develop furthermore.

Fabio Cassese is the ambassador of Italy to Jordan