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AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, in a phone call on Wednesday, discussed the latest regional developments. 

His Majesty affirmed Jordan's support for a peaceful political transition in Syria that preserves its security, stability, and territorial integrity, and protects its citizens and national institutions, according to a Royal Court statement. 

The King reiterated the need to stop the Israeli war on Gaza, bolster the humanitarian response in the Strip, and ensure the success of the ceasefire in Lebanon. 

Discussions during the call also covered ways to enhance ties between the two countries across various fields.

- His Majesty announces personal donation to support establishment of the Baptism Site Orthodox International University, fund gilding crowns, wooden ornaments in the Dome of the Rock

- King reaffirms Jordan's unwavering support for Palestinians’ steadfastness, stresses that Jordan will continue to undertake its historical role in safeguarding Jerusalem's Muslim, Christian holy sites 

- Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos III stresses importance of Hashemite Custodianship in protecting Christians’ right to access holy sites, preserving historical status quo, safeguarding authentic spiritual, cultural identity of Jerusalem

- Jerusalem Awqaf, Al Aqsa Mosque Affairs Director Sheikh Mohammad Azzam Al Khatib affirms adherence to Hashemite Custodianship, says workers at Al Aqsa Mosque will continue to implement Hashemite restoration projects

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday received Christian and Muslim religious leaders from Jerusalem and Jordan at Al Husseiniya Palace.

At the meeting—attended by Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Hussein and Prince Ghazi, His Majesty’s chief adviser for religious and cultural affairs and personal envoy, His Majesty extended best wishes to Christians in Jordan, Palestine, and around the world on the occasion of Christmas and the holiday season, according to a Royal Court statement. 

The King reaffirmed Jordan's unwavering support for Palestinians’ steadfastness, stressing that Jordan will continue to undertake its historical role in safeguarding Muslim and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, under the Hashemite Custodianship.

His Majesty announced a personal donation to support the establishment of the Baptism Site Orthodox International University, and fund gilding the crowns and wooden ornaments in the Dome of the Rock, the statement said. 

For his part, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos III stressed the importance of the Hashemite Custodianship in protecting Christians’ right to access holy sites in Jerusalem, preserving the historical status quo, and safeguarding the authentic spiritual and cultural identity of Jerusalem and the Holy Land.

He warned against the growing threat of Christian Zionism, describing it as a foreign movement in the Holy Land that seeks to distort the biblical message by justifying illegal occupation in a way that threatens religious cultures and the ancient heritage of Christianity, stressing that heads of the Churches stand united in the face of this threat, and work to protect society from the negative impact of this movement.

Patriarch Theophilos III thanked the King for supporting the establishment of the Baptism Site Orthodox International University, which will deepen ties between Jordan and the Church in Jerusalem, and strengthen the presence of the churches in the Holy Land.

Speaking at the meeting, Jerusalem Awqaf and Al Aqsa Mosque Affairs Director Sheikh Mohammad Azzam Al Khatib affirmed adherence to the Hashemite Custodianship, noting that workers at Al Aqsa Mosque will continue to implement Hashemite restoration projects, according to the statement. 

Khatib thanked His Majesty for his personal donation to purchase the gold paper needed for gilding the crowns and wooden ornaments in the Dome of the Rock.

He said the occupation continues to ban thousands of Palestinian and Muslim worshippers from praying at Al Aqsa Mosque, in addition to the Israeli forces’ interference in the mosque and assaulting staff, guards, and imams in an unprecedented manner.

Khatib thanked Jordan for the online Palestinian curriculum learning platform initiative launched by the World Islamic Sciences and Education University under His Majesty’s directives in October, which is now being used by nearly 650,000 Palestinian students in Jerusalem, Gaza, and the West Bank.

The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, in remarks delivered by Latin Patriarchal Acting Vicar for Jordan Father Jihad Shweihat, expressed appreciation for the historical role of the Hashemites in the Holy City and the continuous efforts of His Majesty at international forums, noting that safeguarding the holy sites and the legal and historical status quo in Jerusalem is a message carried by the Hashemites and by Jerusalemites for generations so that peace and justice can prevail, the statement said. 

He said Jordan's political and relief role align with the Holy See's great efforts and the positions of Pope Francis, calling for the celebration of the Silver Jubilee of the Christian pilgrimage to the Jordan River, which coincides with the Kingdom's celebrations of His Majesty’s Silver Jubilee.

He added that the lives of Jerusalemites, Muslims and Christians, are further complicated by unilateral measures and settlers’ continuous violations of Muslim and Christian holy sites, which make it impossible for many to worship at these sites.

Archbishop of Anglican Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem Hussam Na’om commended Jordan’s position, led by His Majesty, in standing with the Palestinians for many years, especially during the recent aggression on Gaza, highlighting the role of Jordanian medical teams working in the Strip, especially in field hospitals, and Jordanian medical teams providing services at Al Ahli Arab Hospital, according to the statement. 

He added that the heads of the Churches and Christians in the Holy Land value the King's role in safeguarding Islamic and Christian holy sites, under the Hashemite Custodianship.

Archbishop Na’om touched on the attacks on holy sites in Jerusalem, including attacks on clerics as well as on religious, archaeological, and cultural sites, noting that settlers are deliberately changing the status quo in the Holy City under the protection of members of the Israeli government.

He also denounced extremist Zionist Christian groups that support occupation, eradication, and injustice, stressing that the holy books, including the Bible, are far removed from the misinterpretations used by such groups.

Royal Hashemite Court Chief Yousef Issawi, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Director of the Office of His Majesty Alaa Batayneh, Awqaf Minister Mohammad Khalaileh, and Chairman of the Higher Presidential Committee of Church Affairs in Palestine Ramzi Khoury, attended the meeting. 

AMMAN — Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Azmi Mahafzah and Rwandan Ambassador Urujeni Bakuramutsa on Tuesday discussed ways to activate a previously signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed by Ministry of Higher Education and Rwandan Ministry of Education.

The MoU focuses on establishing a framework for academic cooperation and exchanging expertise and best practices to enhance the two countries' higher education sector, which would improve efficiency and outcomes of their education systems, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

During the meeting, both sides highlighted the "strong" bilateral ties, reiterating their commitment to boosting collaboration in scientific research field.

The officials also underlined the importance of continued cooperation of the two nations’ educational institutions, which would promote mutual interests and open new prospects for scientific and cultural partnerships.

AMMAN — Jordan and Japan on Tuesday marked the 70th anniversary of their diplomatic relations with a symbolic celebration featuring the planting of 70 cherry trees in Salah Al Din Park in Jabal Amman.

The ceremony featured a performance of the traditional Japanese song "Sakura Sakura" played on the qanun, a musical instrument similar to Japan’s koto, providing a cultural ambiance that celebrated the cherry tree's symbolism of peace and renewal, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The event stood as a tribute to the strong ties between Jordan and Japan, extending beyond diplomacy to include close relationships between the Royal and Imperial families and warm connections between the two peoples. 

The ceremony, held under the patronage of Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Lina Annab and Amman Mayor Yousef Shawarbeh, was attended by Japanese Ambassador Okuyama Jiro and Chairman of the Japanese Cherry Blossom Association Hirobumi Matsuzawa. 

The Cherry Blossom Association donated the trees to symbolise the enduring friendship between the two nations.

Annab highlighted the significance of the ceremony, saying that the event serves as a "living testimony to the solid relations between Jordan and Japan." 

She expressed hope that the cherry trees would blossom for generations to come, reminding people of the shared values and mutual respect between the two countries.

Shawarbeh underscored the strong bilateral ties, which have developed significantly across cultural, educational, trade, and developmental fields. 

He highlighted the importance of enhancing cooperation through cultural projects that foster healthy environments for citizens and visitors.

Jiro expressed his hopes for further enhancing relations, envisioning a day when citizens of both countries gather in Salah Al Din Park to celebrate the cherry trees as a symbol of peace and unity.

Matsuzawa conveyed his appreciation to all participating sides, including the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the Greater Amman Municipality, and the Ministry of Agriculture, for their roles in making the event a success. 

He stressed that the cherry trees reflect the friendship between Jordan and Japan, promising continued collaboration in years to come.

AMMAN — Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Zeina Toukan on Tuesday signed three financing agreements with the representative of the KfW Development Bank Office in Jordan Meike Reils.

The agreements included two grants of 35 million euros to contribute to financing the education sector’s needs for digital transformation, and a concessional loan of 60 million euros to support the needs of the sanitation sector, according to a ministry statement.

Minister of Education and Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Azmi Mahafzah and German Ambassador to Amman Bertram von Moltke attended the signing ceremony.

The first grant, which is worth 20 million euros will contribute to financing the digital transformation programme for vocational education by equipping computer rooms to provide vocational education with digital technology, equipping vocational education schools with the necessary digital network equipment, and equipping the central administrative units in the Ministry of Education with information technology equipment.

The second grant, which is worth 15 million euros, will contribute to financing the second phase of the Programme for Improving Quality in Basic Education (Digitalisation), by equipping computer labs, classrooms, and digital workstations in primary schools.

The second grant will also contribute to equipping many secondary school examination (tawjihi) centres with digital technology, including computers and the necessary digital network equipment. 

The concessional loan was allocated to finance a programme titled “Sustainable disposal of wastewater,” to support the government's efforts to improve sanitation services in various locations to expand the scope of collection and treatment processes of central wastewater.

The loan would also contribute to environmental protection and climate change adaptation, the statement said. 

The anticipated measures of the project aim to increase the access for Jordanian population to a centralised wastewater system and reduce negative impacts on the environment and public health. 

The project also supports expanding the use of treated wastewater for irrigation purposes, thereby contributing to a more sustainable and efficient management of water resources in the future, according to the statement.

This finance is provided to support the priorities of the education and water sectors in the Kingdom within the executive programme of the Economic Modernisation Vision for the years (2023-2025).

The two education projects contribute to achieving the fourth goal of the Sustainable Development Goals (quality education), and the sustainable disposal of wastewater programme will contribute to preserving groundwater from pollution and improving the infrastructure for sanitation services, the statement said.

During the signing ceremony, Toukan expressed appreciation of the government to the German government for its continuous support to Jordan as one of the most important development partners over the years, especially in the education, water and sanitation sectors. 

The minister noted that Germany is one of the most important development supporters of the water and sanitation sector in Jordan through its financial and technical support.

Mahafzah praised the efforts of the German side in providing support that will effectively contribute to supporting the efforts of the Ministry of Education towards digital transformation. 

He pointed out that this support will assist in equipping computer rooms and labs in primary schools with an amount of 15 million euros, and in vocational schools with an amount of 20 million euros over the next four years, expecting this support to bring about a significant change in the digitalisation process of education.

The German ambassador said that through the agreements, Germany will provide modern digital equipment in primary, technical, and vocational schools, which will contribute to providing high-quality education for Jordanian students and preparing them well for the labour market, according to the statement.

AMMAN — The Crown Prince Foundation on Tuesday held a ceremony at the Royal Cultural Palace to celebrate the achievements of its "School Leadership Programme" over the past decade. 

The event, organised in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, was attended by Secretary-General of the Ministry of Education Nawaf Ajarmeh, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The ceremony highlighted the programme's successes, including training more than 160,000 students in over 1,400 schools nationwide. 

During the event, participants from various cohorts shared personal stories in an interactive segment, emphasising how the programme has enhanced their skills and advanced their academic and professional journeys.

In a statement, the foundation noted that, over the past decade, the programme has provided specialised training for youth, focusing on leadership development and fostering a sense of belonging and positive citizenship. 

Starting with hundreds of participants, the programme now engages tens of thousands annually and has trained over 1,500 Ministry of Education trainers, who, in turn, have helped train students across the Kingdom.

The programme's councils have initiated over 2,000 volunteer projects, benefitting more than 470,000 individuals in local communities.

The foundation also expressed pride in its partnership with the Ministry of Education, calling it a model of positive cooperation, adding that the partnership has been instrumental in achieving the programme's strategic objectives and expanding its reach to include eighth-grade students in public schools nationwide.

The foundation also reiterated its commitment to providing young Jordanians with quality opportunities, empowering them to develop their potential and contribute to a brighter future for the Kingdom.

AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Tuesday held separate phone calls with Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide and Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos. 

During the calls, Safadi briefed Eide and Kombos on the outcomes of the Aqaba meetings on Syria

The top diplomats also discussed regional developments, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra.

The committee included representatives from Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Lebanon, Egypt, the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar and the Arab League Secretary-General.

The discussions focused on supporting a Syrian-led political transition in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2254, including the establishment of a transitional governing body, the drafting of a new constitution, and the holding of free elections within a defined timeline.