Tag: jordan

Categories
News World World News

UNHCR launches winter bazaar to support refugees in Jordan

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has launched its 4th “With Refugees” winter bazaar in Amman to support refugees across Jordan…reports Asian Lite News

Around 60 refugee vendors will participate in the one-week bazaar by selling handmade products, such as soaps, food, home decorations, accessories, and holiday gifts, Xinhua news agency quoted the UNHCR as saying in a statement on Sunday.

UNHCR launches winter bazaar to support refugees in Jordan

The UN agency stated that all proceeds will go directly to the refugee and Jordanian vendors who come from a range of nationalities and live throughout the country.

Dominik Bartsch, UNHCR Representative to Jordan, highlighted the importance of holding the event to generate income for refugees directly.

“The bazaar is a very important event for us, as it does not only showcase the creativity and business spirit of our refugee community, but it is also an important way of generating income for refugee families who are looking for additional opportunities to support themselves,” he said during his opening remarks at the inauguration on Sunday.

Bartsch noted that this year, for the first time, the bazaar has representatives from every refugee camp.

UNHCR launches winter bazaar to support refugees in Jordan

“We are pleased to have both refugees, as well as Jordanians, demonstrating their skills and artistic talents,” he said.

Home to over 750,000 refugees, most of whom are Syrians, Jordan hosts the second highest share of refugees per capita globally, according to the UNHCR.

ALSO READ: UNHCR: 11,500 Nigerians forced to flee to Niger due to armed forced attacks

The total number of registered and unregistered Syrian refugees is estimated to be around 1.3 million.

The majority of Syrian refugees in Jordan, about 84 per cent, live in urban areas and it’s highly likely that the majority will remain in Jordan.

Categories
Arab News News World

Mahmoud Abbas, Jordan FM discuss challenges facing Palestinian cause

Mahmoud Abbas, Jordan FM discuss challenges facing Palestinian cause

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas met Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi to discuss the challenges facing the Palestinian cause in a bid to boost consultation and in-depth coordination between the Kingdom of Jordan and Palestine…reports Asian Lite News

“The current situation in the Palestinian territories and pushing forward the stalled peace process in the Middle East were the major issues that were discussed in today’s meeting,” Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki told a joint news conference with Safadi after the meeting on Saturday.

Mahmoud Abbas, Jordan FM discuss challenges facing Palestinian cause

Safadi told the press conference that his visit came “as part of the efforts to create a real political horizon that leads to a comprehensive and just peace on the basis of the two-state solution,” Xinhua news agency reported.

The basis “embodies the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital,” he said.

“The current status quo cannot continue, and there is no way for things to remain in the stalemate they are now,” Safadi said, adding that “a real international movement is required to take us towards active engagement in the pursuit of a solution.”

ALSO READ: Palestine concerned over detection of Omicron variant in Israel

Safadi said that the meeting also discussed the importance of ensuring necessary economic support for the Palestinian Authority to continue to serve the Palestinian people.

Direct peace talks between Israel and Palestine, which were sponsored by the US for nine months, stopped in 2014, following deep differences on issues related to Jewish settlements and the recognition of a Palestinian state on the 1967 borders.

Categories
-Top News Dubai UAE News

King of Jordan receives Abdullah bin Zayed

King Abdullah II of Jordan received H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, in the Jordanian capital…reports Asian Lite News

During the meeting, they reviewed the long-lasting and robust relations between the UAE and Jordan and ways to enhance them at all levels and develop cooperation in various fields.

At the start of the meeting, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed conveyed the greetings of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, to the King of Jordan and their best wishes of further progress and development for Jordan.

King Abdullah reciprocated his greetings to President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, wishing more progress and prosperity for the UAE.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed emphasised the solid fraternal ties binding the UAE and Jordan and their leadership’s keenness on promoting them to broader prospects in all domains in the best interests of the two brotherly peoples.

Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar, UAE Minister of State, and Ahmed Ali Mohammed Al Balushi, UAE Ambassador to Jordan, attended the meeting.

Talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs

H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, met in Amman with Ayman Safadi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of Jordan.

During the meeting, both sides discussed boosting their overall cooperation, in light of their deep-rooted strategic relations.

Sheikh Abdullah and Safadi also highlighted their mutual keenness to reinforce the cooperation between the two countries in all areas, most notably in investment, economy, tourism, culture and defence.

They then discussed the outcomes of the meeting between His Majesty King Abdullah II, King of Jordan, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, in Amman in May, which aimed to strengthen the close ties between the two countries.

The two ministers talked about several regional issues of mutual concern and highlighted the importance of continuing their related coordination and cooperation to overcome common challenges and achieve security and stability in the Arab region.

Sheikh Abdullah extended his greetings and congratulations to Safadi on the centenary of the founding Jordan.

Safadi, for his part, congratulated the UAE on its Golden Jubilee and the successful hosting of Expo 2020 Dubai.

ALSO READ: Sheikh Nahyan meets Ambassador Kapoor, lauds UAE-India ties

During the meeting, Sheikh Abdullah stressed the UAE and Jordan share deep-rooted, profound and strategic relations, noting their mutual keenness to enhance their overall cooperation.

He added that the UAE appreciates Jordan’s key role in supporting joint Arab action and achieving security and stability in the region.

Safadi highlighted Jordan’s appreciation for its distinguished ties with the UAE, lauding its mutual stances and its support for Jordan in overcoming economic challenges and support for Jordanian citizens in the UAE.

The meeting was also attended by Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar, Minister of State, and Ahmed Ali Mohammed Al Balushi, UAE Ambassador to Jordan.

Categories
Arab News Syria World

Jordan FM met UN discuss to resolve the crisis in Syria

Jordan FM met UN discuss to resolve the crisis in Syria

Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi met UN Special Envoy to Syria Geir Pedersen and discussed efforts to achieve a political solution to the ongoing crisis in the conflict-hit nation…reports Asian Lite News

During the meeting here on Sunday, Safadi emphasised the importance of systematic and effective action towards a political solution to the crisis, Xinhua news agency quoted a Foreign Ministry statement as saying.

The Minister said Jordan will continue its efforts, in cooperation with the UN, as well as regional and international partners, to preserve Syria’s unity and cohesion, restore its security and stability, defeat terrorism, and create conducive conditions for the voluntary return of refugees.

Jordan FM met UN discuss to resolve the crisis in Syria

The Jordanian official warned against the declining support for refugees and refugee-host countries, stressing that offering decent life for refugees is a shared responsibility for the international communities.

Pedersen lauded Jordan’s humanitarian role in receiving Syrian refugees, expressing appreciation for Jordan’s unceasing cooperation with the UN to resolve the crisis.

Also on Sunday, Safadi met Norway’s Special Envoy for Iraq and Syria Hilde Haraldstad and discussed the latest developments in efforts to resolve the Syrian crisis and improve the situation in Iraq.

Safadi drew attention to the necessity of the international community’s support for Iraqi government efforts to meet Iraqi people’s aspirations and achieve security and stability in the country.

ALSO READ: Iran calls for ending Syria sanctions, Yemen siege

The meetings came at a time the Syrian people are suffering greatly from the tough economic situation with skyrocketing prices of all goods amid the lack and scarcity of some basic materials.

According to the World Bank, the Syrian economy has shrunk by more than 60 per cent since 2010, and the Syrian pound has also majorly devaluated.

Categories
China COVID-19 World

Jordan received 2nd batch of Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccine by China

Jordan received 2nd batch of Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccine by China

Jordan has received the second batch of Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccine donated by the Chinese government…reports Asian Lite News

A handover ceremony was held at a vaccination centre in the capital Amman, attended by Chinese Ambassador to Jordan, Chen Chuandong and Jordanian Minister of Health, Firas Hawari on Thursday.

Addressing the ceremony, Chen said the joint efforts of China and Jordan to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic reflects the profound friendship between the two countries, and has boosted confidence and resolve in defeating the virus, Xinhua news agency reported.

Jordan received 2nd batch of Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccine by China

Recalling that Jordan participated in the clinical trial of the Sinopharm vaccine and granted approval for its emergency use in no time, the Chinese ambassador said Jordanians’ high turnout represents their votes of confidence for the Chinese vaccine.

For his part, Hawari expressed his appreciation to the Chinese government for the generous donation and support provided to Jordan in various fields, especially in fighting the pandemic, adding that this donation will contribute to Jordan’s national campaign of vaccination against the coronavirus.

ALSO READ: China urges families to stockpile food amid Covid surge

The vaccines arrived in Amman on October 31, representing the second batch received from China. The first batch was received in April 2021.

Jordan commenced a nationwide Covid-19 vaccination campaign on January 13 with priority over the vulnerable groups and frontline health workers.

The kingdom has so far reported 868,493 Covid-19 infections with 11,077 deaths.

Categories
Arab News News World

Israel, Jordan To Cement Economic Ties

Israel, Jordan To Cement Economic Ties

Israeli and Jordanian ministers met in Jordan to discuss deepening bilateral economic ties…reports Asian Lite News

In the rare meeting, Israel’s Economy Minister, Orna Barbivai and Jordan’s Minister of Industry and Trade, Yousef Al Shamali agreed to “strengthen economic ties between the two countries,” the statement added on Wednesday.

Israel, Jordan To Cement Economic Ties

The Ministers discussed a possible update to their bilateral trade agreement and expanding cross-border tourism, Xinhua news agency reported.

They signed a deal to expand the exports from Jordan to the Israeli-occupied West Bank, under which Jordan could send exports of cement and construction products, rugs, garments, electronics, and other goods to the Palestinian Authority.

“Israel hopes that the deal will strengthen the Jordanian economy and contribute to the continued growth of the kingdom. In addition, the agreement emphasizes the importance that Israel attributes to the promotion and development of the economies in the region and to the encouragement of regional trade,” the Israeli Ministry said.

Barbivai said Israel wishes to strengthen its ties with Jordan.

ALSO READ: Israel Aerospace Industries to exhibit at Dubai Airshow

“The trade benefits agreed on Wednesday are an important step in strengthening diplomatic relations between the two countries,” she added in the statement.

It was the first time over the past 10 years that senior Israeli and Jordanian officials met to talk about trade cooperation, the Ministry said.

Jordan, which shares a border with Israel, established diplomatic ties with Israel in 1994.

Categories
News World World News

Jordan decides to ease entry for several nationalities

Jordan has decided to ease entry of nationals of several countries in order to support the kingdom’s economy, especially the tourism sector…reports Asian Lite News

The travel restrictions imposed on Albanians and Moldovans will be lifted and they will be granted entry visas through Jordan’s diplomatic missions abroad or through border centres upon arrival, Xinhua news agency quoted the Petra report citing Minister of Interior Mazen Faraiah as saying.

Meanwhile, nationals of Nigeria, the Philippines, Colombia, Pakistan and Libya will be allowed to enter Jordan without prior approval, provided that they arrive in a tourist group of more than five people under an approved tourist program, Faraiah added.

Tourist agencies affiliated with these groups must guarantee the tourists’ departure, he noted.

ALSO READ: SL approves five new airlines to revive tourism

Syrians are also allowed entry to Jordan after tourist agencies duly submit an application to the Ministry of Interior that pledges the group’s adherence to a pre-arranged tourist program.

Categories
-Top News World

UAE, Jordan launch ‘Government Accelerators Centre’ in Amman

UAE, Jordan launch ‘Government Accelerators Centre’ in Amman

The governments of the UAE and Jordan have inaugurated the Government Accelerators Centre in the Jordanian capital, Amman…reports Asian Lite News

The governments of the UAE and Jordan have inaugurated the Government Accelerators Centre in the Jordanian capital, Amman, which is inspired by the UAE government’s accelerators model, as part of an initiative aimed at developing innovative government services and facilitating the businesses of customers The step is part of the strategic partnership between the two countries in government modernisation.

The centre’s launch at the headquarters of the Jordanian Cabinet in Amman was attended by Ashraf Samara Al Zoubi, Secretary-General of the Jordanian Cabinet, and an official Emirati delegation comprising Abdulla Nasser Lootah, Director-General of the Prime Minister’s Office at the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs, Dr. Yasir Al Naqbi, Assistant Director General for Leadership and Government Capabilities at the Prime Minister’s Office, Ahmed Ali Mohammed Al Balushi, UAE Ambassador to Jordan, Fouzia Al Tayer, Executive Director of the Corporate Services Sector at the Prime Minister’s Office, Dr. Radheya Al Hashimi, Director of the UAE Government Accelerators at the Prime Minister’s Office, and several officials from both countries.

The centre aims to find timely and efficient solutions to various challenges within a 100-day timeframe, which will help expedite service provision, save time and effort, enhance performance and the quality of services, improve the quality of life, and achieve a milestone in government work, in line with Jordan’s 2025 Vision.

Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, said the UAE, with the support of its wise leadership, is keen to share its successful experiences in government modernisation with other countries and assist them in finding creative solutions to various challenges and improving people’s lives.

The centre’s inauguration is one of the outcomes of the strategic partnership between the two countries in government modernisation, crowning the significant efforts of their joint action teams who have worked hard to construct the centre and supply it with the latest technologies, he added.

Dr. Ibrahim Al Jazi, Jordan’s Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs, highlighted the importance of the strategic partnership between the two governments in government modernisation to enhance government work and improve public sector performance.

ALSO READ: SpaceX to launch UAE’s MBZ-SAT in 2023

In his speech at the inauguration event, Lootah said the centre’s inauguration is a crucial step towards strengthening the strategic partnership between the two governments, which began in 2018.

The centre is a hub for accelerating the achievement process and streamlining government work. It is part of the efforts of the governments of Jordan and the UAE to exchange expertise and share innovative models of government work.

The inauguration of the centre in Jordan is the outcome of the knowledge exchange programme between the two countries, following the signing of strategic partnership agreements in government modernisation between the UAE and nine countries, which are Egypt, Jordan, Uzbekistan, Sudan, Iraq, Colombia, Costa Rica, Senegal and Greece.

Categories
-Top News UK News

Prince Charles to visit Jordan, Egypt

The tour comes after the heir to the UK throne visits Glasgow next week for the COP26 climate summit. It will end in Egypt, which will take over the UN climate presidency from Britain next year…reports Asian Lite News.

Britain’s Prince Charles and wife Camilla are to visit Jordan and Egypt next month on their first major foreign tour since the coronavirus pandemic began last year, aides said on Monday.

The royal couple’s November 16-19 visit will start in Jordan, a UK ally whose King Abdullah II has come under pressure over leaks about his offshore wealth and over an alleged coup plot.

The tour comes after the heir to the UK throne visits Glasgow next week for the COP26 climate summit. It will end in Egypt, which will take over the UN climate presidency from Britain next year.

“In this decisive decade for climate action, the next 12 months is therefore expected to see a significant cooperation between the UK and Egypt,” said Chris Fitzgerald, deputy private secretary to Prince Charles.

“Indeed, both visits will have a major focus on addressing the climate crisis,” he said.

In Cairo, Charles and Camilla are due to visit the top Sunni Islam cleric Sheikh Ahmed al-Yayeb, grand imam of the Al-Azhar mosque and university.

ALSO READ-Jordanian King receives the first-time call from Syrian Prez since 2011

READ MORE-Tony Blair, King of Jordan, Czech PM figure in Pandora Papers

Categories
News World World News

Jordanian King receives the first-time call from Syrian Prez since 2011

Jordanian King receives the first-time call from Syrian Prez since 2011

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad made a phone call to Jordanian King Abdullah II for the first time since the Syrian War began in 2011…reports Asian Lite News

According to a statement issued by the Syrian presidential official, Assad and King Abdullah II discussed bilateral relations and ways to boost cooperation to achieve the interest of both peoples during their call on Sunday, reports Xinhua news agency.

The relations between Syria and Jordan deteriorated significantly when the latter chose to support Western-backed rebels in the Syrian civil war.

Jordanian King receives the first-time call from Syrian Prez since 2011

The phone call between the heads of the two states comes as a part of the normalisation of the bilateral relationship, which also led to the re-opening of border crossings and the resumption of commercial flights.

In addition, Syria has agreed to a plan for allowing Egyptian gas to pass through Jordan and Syria to reach Lebanon, which is in dire need of energy supplies.

ALSO READ: Urgent steps must be taken to save world’s third pole

The two sides also reached an agreement to jointly develop the water resource on their borders.

Last month, Syrian Defence Minister General Ali Abdullah Ayyoub visited Jordan.

The 22-member Arab League bloc had suspended Syria’s suspension in November 2011, months after the civil war was triggered by the brutal repression of anti-government protests.