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AMMAN — A joint communiqué was issued following official talks between Lower House Speaker Ahmad Safadi and Iraqi Parliament Speaker Mahmoud Mashhadani, reaffirming support for the outcomes of the recent Aqaba meetings on Syria.

Safadi welcomed Mashhadani's first official visit to the Kingdom since assuming office as speaker of the Iraqi parliament, with talks resulting in signing a joint communiqué outlining a number of key agreements, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

The two sides pledged to boost coordination to address repercussions of regional instability, reiterating their commitment to supporting Syria's sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, while stressing the need for political representation for all components of the Syrian people. 

Jordan and Iraq agreed to enhance their economic cooperation by removing obstacles to trade and investment. Plans were made to organise reciprocal visits between parliamentary committees and chambers of commerce and industry to foster closer ties. 

The statement also attached importance to expanding cooperation in areas such as culture, education, agriculture, energy and construction.

Both sides stressed the need for completing the Basra-Aqaba oil pipeline, desribing it as a vital economic link for both nations. They also agreed to support joint projects with Egypt to further boost regional partnerships.

On regional issues, both sides expressed solidarity with Gaza and condemned the ongoing aggression against the Strip, expressing rejection for any attempts to displace the residents of Gaza and the West Bank and called for increased humanitarian assistance. 

The communiqué also condemned extremist actions by Israeli settlers against Palestinians and Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem.

Jordan and Iraq also highlighted the importance of coordinating parliamentary positions between both countries and building on the "strong" bilateral relations.

AMMAN — Minister of Government Communication and Government Spokesperson Mohammad Momani announced key cabinet decisions during a press conference following a session held in Zarqa governorate.

Momani said that the government is committed to holding monthly Cabinet sessions in various governorates, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra. 

Zarqa marks the third governorate to host such a session, following Karak and Irbid, with plans to continue this practice until all governorates are included, he added.

During the conference, Momani highlighted several developmental projects presented to elected council members and civil society organizations in Zarqa. 

He stressed that these initiatives are part of the government’s broader plans to create job opportunities, improve the investment environment, and positively impact local communities, in line with the goals of the Economic Modernisation Vision. 

Momani also stressed that the government will not make promises it cannot fulfil, pointing out that the developmental projects presented for Zarqa have defined timelines for implementation and allocated budgets within the state’s financial plan.

• Hassan reiterates government’s commitment to working directly with citizens to identify key needs, set development priorities
• Premier inaugurates Hashemiyah natural gas station, which will supply factories with affordable energy
• He directs ministers to accelerate promotion of Zarqa Industrial Zone project to maximise its economic potential
• Hassan outlins plans for infrastructure improvements, educational development in Zarqa

AMMAN — Prime Minister Jafar Hassan on Tuesday pledged to fast-track priority development projects in Zarqa, utilising next year’s budget and decentralisation funds to ensure their timely implementation.

Speaking at a Cabinet meeting in Zarqa, Hassan reiterated the government’s commitment to working directly with citizens to identify key needs and set development priorities, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra. 

The visit included laying the foundation stone for the new Zarqa Governorate Council headquarters and inaugurating a natural gas metering and reduction station in Hashemiyah.

“Creating employment opportunities remains a top priority,” Hassan said, stressing the government’s efforts to support the private sector by fostering a business-friendly environment. 

He also outlined several measures already taken to stimulate growth and announced plans to expand these initiatives in the coming months.

Hassan also inaugurated the Hashemiyah natural gas station, which will supply factories with affordable energy. 

The facility, with a capacity of 15,000 cubic metres per hour, is equipped with advanced technology for safety and efficiency and has room for future expansion.

The station is expected to reduce energy costs by 50-60 per cent compared with traditional fuels, enhancing the competitiveness of local industries and attracting further investments to the region. 

To date, the project has generated 450 jobs for Jordanian engineers, technicians, and administrative staff trained to international standards, Hassan added. 

The prime minister also directed ministers to accelerate the promotion of the Zarqa Industrial Zone project to maximise its economic potential. 

The first phase is expected to be completed by mid-2025, paving the way for increased investment and job creation.

Hassan also announced the JD9 million expansion of Prince Feisal Hospital, set for completion in 2028, with funding secured and final approvals pending.

Hassan also outlined plans for infrastructure improvements and educational development in Zarqa, including the construction of new schools. 

One key project is the Hashemiyah Vocational School, which will implement the advanced BTEC system to enhance technical education.

Hassan also announced plans to expand the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service between Zarqa and Amman, which currently serves 60,000 passengers per month, to accommodate growing demand.

The prime minister also reiterated the government’s commitment to empowering governorate councils as key partners in local development.

He also announced plans to review local government legislation next year to enhance service delivery and promote sustainable development across the Kingdom.

Hassan also laid the foundation stone for the Zarqa Governorate Council headquarters — the first purpose-built facility of its kind in Jordan. 

The 920-square-metre building will include meeting rooms and tailored facilities to support the council’s operations.

Hassan also commended His Majesty King Abdullah’s leadership in addressing regional and global challenges, underscoring Jordan’s resilience and strategic role on the international stage.

The prime minister also emphasised the importance of the Economic Modernisation Vision as the foundation for Jordan’s future development, pledging continued efforts to stimulate economic growth, empower citizens, and attract investment. 

Minister of Agriculture Khaled Hneifat announced that the Ministry is overseeing a project to establish a cooling, packaging, and storage centre for fruits and vegetables, valued at JD190,000, with completion expected in 2025.

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Saleh Kharabsheh highlighted several key initiatives in the governorate, including the installation of solar panel systems for homes, municipalities, and places of worship, noting that the ministry will cover 30 per cent of the installation costs.

Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abu Soud highlighted ongoing projects to improve the water supply and reduce water loss in Zarqa and surrounding areas, including rehabilitating water networks and constructing a wastewater treatment plant in Zarqa, scheduled for completion in 2028. 

The ministry is also working to expand drinking water and sanitation services to underserved areas, he added. 

Minister of Education Azmi Mahafzah outlined plans to build five new primary schools, one vocational school, and two secondary schools in the governorate over the next three years, adding that several schools will undergo maintenance.

Minister of Local Administration Walid Masri highlighted several development and service projects led by municipalities and the governorate council, including the Azraq landfill project, which will exceed JD13 million in cost.

Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship Sami Smeirat announced the establishment of two comprehensive government service centres in Zarqa and Russeifa, set to begin operations next year. 

The centres will provide 120 government services and create 60 job opportunities, he added.

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday received Iraqi Parliament Speaker Mahmoud Al Mashhadani at Al Husseiniya Palace.

The meeting, attended by HRH Crown Prince Hussein, covered deep-rooted ties between the two countries and peoples, with His Majesty expressing keenness to expand cooperation in various fields, especially in parliamentary areas, and congratulating Mashhadani on his election as speaker, according to a Royal Court statement.

Discussions touched on regional developments, especially the situation in Syria and the need to safeguard the country’s security and stability, as well as efforts to end the Israeli war on Gaza.

-  Two leaders stress importance of strengthening joint Arab action, unifying efforts to reach comprehensive regional calm

-  King, Sisi call for stepping up international efforts to stop Israeli war, protect civilians

- His Majesty warns of danger of unilateral measures against Palestinians in West Bank, repeated violations of Jerusalem's Muslim, Christian holy sites

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah and Egypt President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi on Monday called for preserving Syria's security, stability, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, reiterating their respect for the choices of the Syrian people.

During bilateral talks followed by expanded ones at Al Ittihadiya Palace in Cairo, the two leaders affirmed their support for a peaceful inclusive political transition, in which all Syrian political and social components are represented, and which meets the aspirations of the Syrian people and guarantees their rights, according to a Royal Court statement. 

The two leaders stressed the importance of strengthening joint Arab action and unifying efforts in support of reaching comprehensive calm in the region.

Turning to developments in Gaza, the two leaders called for stepping up international efforts to stop the Israeli war and protect civilians. 

His Majesty called on key international actors and relief organisations to intensify their efforts to enhance the humanitarian response in the Strip, the statement said. 

The two leaders reaffirmed their absolute rejection of the displacement of Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza.

The King warned of the danger of unilateral measures against Palestinians in the West Bank and repeated violations of Muslim and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem.

His Majesty stressed the need to step up efforts to create a political horizon to achieve just, comprehensive, and lasting peace, on the basis of the two-state solution.

The talks also covered the situation in Lebanon, with both leaders stressing the importance of ensuring the success of the ceasefire.

Means to enhance the strong ties between the two countries and peoples across all sectors were also discussed.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Director of the Office of His Majesty Alaa Batayneh, General Intelligence Department Director Maj. Gen. Ahmad Husni, and Jordan’s Ambassador to Egypt Amjad Adaileh attended the meeting.

President Al Sisi was present at Cairo International Airport to welcome His Majesty and to bid him farewell.

His Majesty returned to Jordan on Monday, another Royal Court statement said.

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Monday received European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to discuss regional developments and the current situation in Syria.

His Majesty stressed the need to combine international efforts in supporting a peaceful inclusive political transition in Syria, in which all Syrian political and social components are represented, a Royal Court statement said. 

His Majesty affirmed the need to safeguard Syria's unity and stability, while protecting its citizens and national institutions.

The King reaffirmed the need to put an end to the Israeli war on Gaza, increase humanitarian aid to the Strip, and ensure the success of the ceasefire in Lebanon.

In addition, discussions addressed the strategic partnership between Jordan and the European Union, and ways to enhance it across various sectors, the statement said. 

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and Director of the Office of His Majesty Alaa Batayneh attended the meeting.

AMMAN — In a meeting chaired by Minister of Labor Khaled Bakkar on Monday, the Tripartite Committee for Labor Affairs unanimously agreed to raise the minimum wage for private sector workers from JD260 to JD290, effective January 1, 2025.

The new wage will remain in effect until December 31, 2027. The decision is designed to enhance workers' living standards while addressing the economic challenges faced by employers, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra.

AMMAN — Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Maj. Gen. Yousef Huneiti on Monday received a US delegation led by former commander of the US Central Command (CENTCOM) Gen. Joseph Votel.

During the meeting, held at the General Command of the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army (JAF), Huneiti stressed the importance of further enhancing the strategic partnership between the Kingdom and the US, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

He stressed the need for joint international efforts to ensure peace and security at the international level, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The delegates, accompanied by the US defence attaché and senior Jordanian military officials, were briefed on the ongoing modernisation efforts of JAF being made to address current and future security threats in the region.

Gen. Votel and his accompanying delegates expressed their gratitude for Jordan's critical role in maintaining regional stability, commending His Majesty King Abdullah's leadership and vision in promoting regional security and peace.

AMMAN — Senate President Faisal Fayez and Iraqi Parliament Speaker Mahmoud Mashhadani on Monday discussed the Iraq-Jordan oil pipeline project.

Fayez stressed the pipeline project's strategic importance, highlighting its potential to boost economic cooperation and strengthen bilateral ties, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra.

“Our relations are built on mutual respect and shared interests, serving the aspirations of our peoples and reinforcing Arab solidarity,” Fayez said.

He also reiterated Jordan’s commitment to ongoing cooperation with Iraq across various sectors to support the country's unity and security.

Fayez also called for deepening economic ties through joint investments, expediting agreed projects, and revitalising trade relations.

Addressing regional challenges, Fayez warned against efforts to fragment the Arab world, likening the situation to a "new Sykes-Picot phase" driven by international and regional interests.

He also condemned Israeli aggression against Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, reiterating Jordan’s firm stance against any resolution to the Palestinian cause at Jordan’s expense.

Fayez also stressed Jordan’s dedication to preserving Syria’s unity and stability, which he deemed essential for regional security.

He also denounced Israeli incursions into Syrian territory, particularly in the buffer zone near the Golan Heights, calling for an immediate withdrawal of Israeli forces.

Mashhadani reiterated the call for Arab unity in addressing regional challenges, emphasising that stronger political, economic, and security ties among Arab nations would counter external threats.

He also commended Jordan’s historic support for Iraq during its most difficult periods,  acknowledging the symbolic significance of choosing Jordan for his first official visit.

"The visit underscores the strong ties between our nations and Jordan's unwavering support for Iraq's stability and security," he said.

Also on Monday, Lower House Speaker Ahmed Safadi met with his Iraqi counterpart Mahmoud Mashhadani, to discuss enhancing parliamentary coordination and addressing regional issues to advance the shared interests of both nations.

During the meeting, Safadi and Mashhadani reiterated their commitment to boosting Jordan-Iraq ties, building on the outcomes of a recent meeting in Amman between His Majesty King Abdullah and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Sudani.

The speakers also stressed the importance of joint efforts to counter regional instability, prevent escalation, and mitigate the risks of broader conflicts.

Expressing solidarity with Syria, the speakers underscored their support for its security and stability, emphasising respect for the will of its people.

Safadi also reiterated Jordan’s unwavering support for Syria’s unity and security, stressing the need to uphold its sovereignty.

Safadi and Mashhadani also called for greater international efforts to end the Israeli aggression on Gaza, deliver emergency aid, and address violent settler actions in the West Bank, including violations at Jerusalem’s holy sites.

They also highlighted the importance of enhancing investments in energy, transport, agriculture, education, tourism, and infrastructure.

Safadi also emphasised the role of parliaments in removing barriers to economic integration and promoting trilateral cooperation with Egypt.

Mashhadani commended Jordan’s consistent support for Iraq during critical times, describing Jordan as Iraq’s “first official destination” due to its strategic importance.

He also expressed Iraq’s commitment to boosting bilateral ties and expanding cooperation between parliamentary committees.

“Iraq has always benefited from Jordan’s steadfast support during difficult times,” Mashhadani said, urging Arab nations to unite in addressing common challenges, particularly those in Palestine, Syria, and Lebanon.