Local

AMMAN — The 2024 annual forum of the coalition of Jordanian civil society organisations, HIMAM, concluded on Tuesday, calling for the rejection of donor-imposed conditions that undermine core values, particularly those related to defending Palestinian rights.

The forum, which brought together local and international human rights experts as well as representatives from Jordanian civil society organisations and international bodies, provided a platform for robust discussions on human rights challenges.

It also featured three key sessions covering 16 topics, with a central focus on the human rights challenges exacerbated by Israel’s ongoing aggression in Gaza.

HIMAM coordinator Hadeel Abdel Aziz presented a position paper calling for the protection of civil society’s independence against potential political pressures.

Abdel Aziz questioned the effectiveness of current international mechanisms, considering whether the issue lies in the tools available and whether they should be abandoned or reformed.

Despite the challenging circumstances, she stressed that HIMAM remains determined and refuses to give in to a sense of helplessness.

The first session focused on the importance of leveraging international law to address human rights violations.

During the session, Director of the Al Quds Centre for Political Studies Oraib Rantawi highlighted the stark double standards in the international community’s response, drawing comparisons between the international outrage over Ukraine and the ongoing genocide in Gaza.

Marwan Mashar, former foreign minister and vice president of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, highlighted the selective application of international law over the past century, especially concerning Palestine.

He also stressed the need for “endurance and persistence” in holding Israel accountable.

The second session examined the lack of legal accountability for violations and the role of international bodies in addressing these crimes.

The final session addressed the challenges faced by civil society in conflict zones across Palestine and the broader Middle East.

Director of the Palestinian NGO Network in Gaza Amjad Shawa praised the resilience of local organisations in providing aid and supporting displaced communities.

Director of the Arab NGO Network for Development Ziad Abdel Samad discussed the challenges facing civil society organisations, including global human rights regression, donor-imposed conditions, and declining independence.

AMMAN — The Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday that it was closely monitoring the situation of Jordanian citizens residing in the Republic of Korea following recent political developments in the country.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Sufian Qudah said that the Directorate of Operations and Consular Affairs, in cooperation with the Jordanian embassy in Seoul, was actively following up on the status of Jordanians in Korea, reassuring that all members of the Jordanian community are safe.

The ministry has advised Jordanian citizens in Korea to remain cautious, avoid areas with large gatherings, and follow the safety guidelines issued by local authorities, according to a Foreign Ministry statement.

Jordanian nationals seeking assistance can contact the Jordanian Embassy in Seoul through its hotline at +821049980962. They may also reach out to the Ministry’s Operations Center Unit at +962799562903, +962799562471, or +962799562193. Alternatively, they can send inquiries via email to [email protected].

South Korea's President Yoon Suk -yeol on Tuesday declared emergency martial law, accusing the opposition of being "anti-state forces intent on overthrowing the regime" amid parliamentary wrangling over a budget bill, according to AFP.

Yoon's declaration of South Korea's first martial law in more than four decades was swiftly overturned by lawmakers in a night of drama, but has plunged the country into political turmoil and alarmed its close allies.

AMMAN — National exports saw significant growth by the end of September, with key trade partners and economic blocs contributing to the overall increase, according to figures released by the Department of Statistics (DoS).

The report showed that exports to the Greater Arab Free Trade Area (GAFTA) grew by 14.4 per cent, reaching JD2.638 billion, up from JD2.305 billion during the same period last year, driven by increased exports to Saudi Arabia, which totalled JD851 million.

National exports to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) reached JD1.774 billion at the end of September, marking a 15.5 per cent increase from JD1.536 billion last year, driven mainly by a rise in exports to the US, which totalled JD1.712 billion.

Exports to the European Union increased by 0.6 per cent, rising to JD313 million from JD311 million last year, with Belgium contributing significantly, accounting for JD66 million of the total.

Trade with non-Arab Asian countries declined by 20.5 per cent, falling to JD1.241 billion from JD1.561 billion, primarily due to reduced exports to India, which totalled JD675 million.

Exports to other economic blocs dropped by 16.1 per cent, totalling JD447 million, down from JD533 million in the same period last year, primarily due to a decline in shipments to the free zone, which amounted to JD170 million.

AMMAN — Deputising His Majesty King Abdullah, Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abu Saud attended the One Planet Summit in Riyadh, held between December 3 and 4.

The summit focused on promoting international cooperation on pressing issues including water, climate, biodiversity, pollution, desertification, and drought, bringing together international leaders, the United Nations, and international organisations, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra.

Abu Saud underscored the Arab region's mounting challenges, noting that over 82 per cent of its land is at risk of degradation, with 20 per cent threatened by desertification due to climate change and erratic rainfall.

He also cautioned that by 2050, three out of four people in the region could face severe water scarcity, urging increased investment in shared water resources and cooperative approaches to address these crises.

Abu Saud highlighted Jordan's proactive efforts to combat water shortages, including the National Water Carrier Project, which relies on renewable energy to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

"The project leverages renewable energy to enhance water sustainability, improve supply efficiency, and expand wastewater treatment to international standards," he said adding that treated water is reused for restricted agricultural purposes, preserving potable water supplies for drinking.

He also drew attention to Jordan’s unprecedented water challenges, with per capita availability at just 61 cubic metres annually—the lowest globally.

The minister also commended Jordan's water sector for achieving excellence in service delivery, citing the rehabilitation of water networks, loss reduction initiatives, and high service coverage rates—94 per cent for water supply and 68 per cent for sanitation.

Abu Saud also called for intensified international efforts to combat desertification, emphasising the importance of innovative and sustainable solutions to mitigate the impacts of climate change and ensure a resilient future.

AMMAN — Deputising for His Majesty King Abdullah, Minister of Investment Mothanna Gharaibeh on Wednesday opened the inaugural Jordanian-Gulf Investment Conference at the King Hussein Bin Talal Convention Center in the Dead Sea.

The conference, organised by the Jordan Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) chambers, carries the theme "Partnerships, Investment, Economic Integration." 

It aims to explore investment opportunities in the Kingdom’s promising strategic sectors, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The event features participation from GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi, as well as leaders and board members of Gulf chambers of commerce, Gulf investors in Jordan, Jordanian business leaders, and public and private sector institutions. 

Sessions delve into Jordan's key economic strengths, including tourism, information technology, mining, creative industries, and energy.  

In a separate meeting, Prime Minister Jafar Hassan welcomed the delegations, led by Secretary-General of the GCC Jassem Budaiwi, alongside Gulf and Arab business leaders.

The discussions centred on boosting economic and investment cooperation, with particular emphasis on leveraging Jordan’s free trade agreements to expand access to international markets.

Hassan underscored the Kingdom's strong, brotherly ties with the Gulf states and the close relations between His Majesty King Abdullah and Gulf leaders

He also highlighted the significance of increasing private-sector cooperation and commended the successful joint projects across multiple sectors.

Budaiwi extended his thanks to Jordan for its hospitality, praising the country’s reliability and strengths in industries such as pharmaceuticals and energy. 

He also reiterated the GCC’s commitment to enhancing economic cooperation and stimulating investment in Jordan.

The conference coincides with the 65th meeting of the GCC Chambers Board of Directors, which is being held in Jordan for the first time outside the GCC, further cementing the "deep-rooted" ties between Jordan and the GCC states.

AMMAN — The Foreign Ministry on Wednesday announced it had received the bodies of Jordanian citizens Amer Qawas and Hussam Abu Ghazaleh. The ministry added that it handed over the bodies to their families in the Kingdom for burial.  Ministry Spokesperson Sufian Qudah told the Jordan News Agency, Petra, that the ministry had worked closely with relevant authorities to secure the return of the bodies. He noted that the bodies were received at the King Hussein Bridge before being handed over to their families. On October 18, Qawas and Abu Ghazaleh crossed from Jordan and injured two Israeli soldiers in a shooting incident near the Dead Sea. At the time, Israeli army said that it had “neutralised” two militants, who entered from Jordan.

AMMAN — Secretary-General of the Foreign Ministry Majed Qatarneh and Chairman of the Arab Union for Gold and Jewellery Nayef Enezi on Tuesday signed an agreement to establish the union's headquarters in Jordan. The Arab Union for Gold and Jewellery operates under the specialised Arab unions affiliated with the Council of Arab Economic Unity, part of the Arab League. The agreement aims to boost Jordan’s role as a regional hub in the gold and jewellery sector, fostering partnerships and enhancing cooperation. It also seeks to develop collaborative programmes and facilitate the exchange of expertise in trade and manufacturing, contributing to the growth of the industry in Jordan and across the region.

AMMAN — The first sustainable tourism forum in Jordan kicked off in Amman on Wednesday.

Organised by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, in coordination with the Jordan Tourism Board (JTB) and in collaboration with the Sustainable Tourism Practitioners Group, and supported by the Centre for the Promotion of Imports from Developing Countries (CBI) of the Netherlands.

During a speech delivered on behalf of the minister of tourism and antiquities, Secretary General of the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities Fadi Balawi stressed the urgent need to prepare a paper outlining the strategies needed to support sustainability in the tourism sector.

 He noted the ministry's commitment to achieving sustainable development and enhancing Jordan's competitiveness as a global tourist destination.

“The paper will include proposals to develop legislation and policies that support the management of natural resources and minimise the environmental impact of the tourism sector, while preserving the continuity of heritage and archaeological sites, which are the pillars of the tourism product,” he said.

Balawi added that the ministry seeks to encourage tourism companies and facilities to obtain sustainability certificates, which are a global standard that reflects the sector's commitment to responsible environmental and social practices.

JTB Deputy Director General Wael Rousan said that the forum represents an important step towards achieving an ambitious vision for a more sustainable future for the country's tourism sector.

He emphasised the JTB's commitment to training its employees to ensure their ability to effectively implement this strategy, noting that the authority has collaborated with local associations to identify sustainable tourism experiences that engage local communities and enhance their vital role.

AMMAN — Mutaz Khasawneh on Tuesday presented his credentials to President of Moldova Maia Sandu as Jordan's non-resident ambassador to Moldova.

During a ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Chisinau, Khasawneh conveyed His Majesty King Abdullah's greetings to President Sandu, along with his best wishes for continued progress and prosperity for the Moldovan people, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

President Sandu expressed her appreciation for His Majesty’s leadership and extended her greetings to King Abdullah. 

She emphasised the Moldovan government’s interest in boosting and developing bilateral relations with Jordan and wished the Kingdom and its people further progress and prosperity.

Also on Tuesday, Raghad Saqqa presented her credentials to Prince of Andorra Bishop Joan Enric Vives i Sicília as the Kingdom's non-resident ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary to Andorra.

During the ceremony, Saqqa conveyed His Majesty's greetings to the prince of Andorra and his wishes of further progress and prosperity for the Andorran people.

Meanwhile, Prince of Andorra asked Saqqa to convey his greetings and appreciation to King Abdullah, praising His Majesty's wise policy.