Jordan a strategic partner — Italian deputy FM

AMMAN — Italy stands by Jordan in overcoming the emergencies aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic and promoting peace and stability in the region, Italian Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Marina Sereni underlined on Thursday during the talks held on the second day of her visit to Jordan. 

Sereni met Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ambassador Yousef Bataineh for bilateral consultations, according to an Italian embassy statement.

“Jordan is a strategic partner of Italy,” the Italian deputy foreign minister underlined. 

“Your security and prosperity are at the core of the Middle East’s stability,” she said, praising Amman’s moderate and constructive approach towards regional issues, including the central role played by Jordan in countering radicalisation and extremism.

Main regional developments were also discussed during the meeting. “What is happening attests once again to the centrality of the Middle East peace process for a sustainable peace and stability in the region. We will continue to support a viable, just and directly negotiated two-state solution, in line with international law and the Security Council’s resolutions. We commend Jordan’s longstanding support for this prospect,” Sereni said.

She also met with Senate President Faisal Fayez and members of the Foreign Committees of the Senate and the Lower House and the Jordanian-European Friendship Group of the Chamber of Representatives.

The meetings discussed the main issues of bilateral interest. Political, economic and cultural relations were the focus of talks. The meetings also covered the initiative to bring together Italian and Jordanian private sectors to advance the technological expertise of local businesses and improve the level of food security in the Kingdom.

Sereni also visited the Zaatari camp for Syrian refugees and the projects financed by the Italian Development Cooperation and carried out by the UNHCR, UN Women and the WFP. 

The deputy foreign minister was briefed on UNHCR-Italy collaboration, worth $8.5 million in the last five years, and the 1.5-million-dollar multipurpose cash-assistance programme for vulnerable families facing socio-economic impact caused by the pandemic. 

She was also briefed on the “Resilience, empowerment of vulnerable women and response to Covid-19” project, which is “a unique example” of integration of services aimed to support women’s economic empowerment. 

Additionally, the minister was briefed on the School Feeding project for minors, which represents an important incentive to schooling and reduces drop-outs.

“I believe that the role played in the various projects by the actors of the Italian Cooperation and the Jordanian civil society is fundamental. Their efforts are vital to support the growth and change of the country for the benefit of the neediest segments of the population,” the minister said.