Norwegian Ambassador commends Jordan's role in delivering aid to Gaza
Ammon News - Norwegian Ambassador to Jordan Mona Juul affirmed her country's appreciation for the key role Jordan is playing, under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II, in delivering and facilitating humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.
On the occasion of Norway's National Day, Juul expressed deep concern over the blockade imposed by Israel on Gaza. She stressed the importance of Israel's compliance with international humanitarian law and allowing the delivery of humanitarian assistance to the Strip. She also noted that Norway has recently recognized the State of Palestine.
The ambassador highlighted the strength of the relationship and partnership between the two countries across various fields, supported by the distinguished ties between the royal families. She noted that mutual visits have contributed to the development of these relations.
Juul pointed to the existence of excellent cooperation, consultation, and coordination between the two countries at different levels on regional issues and matters of mutual interest. She added that despite the modest volume of trade exchange, there is a shared interest in enhancing and expanding economic cooperation.
She emphasized the promising opportunities for collaboration in the renewable energy sector, noting Norway's strong and efficient companies in this field and Jordan's growing interest in developing solar and wind energy. She added that other sectors of mutual interest could include tourism and organic agriculture.
According to Juul, Norway's exports to Jordan mainly consist of oil, gas, seafood, and fish, while Jordan's exports to Norway primarily include textiles and vegetables.
She stated that Norway is proud to partner in the Multi-Donor Trust Fund for Growth, implemented in cooperation with the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation and the World Bank, to provide technical support aimed at stimulating growth in Jordan's economy.
Norway, she added, remains committed to supporting Jordan's economic reform program for no less than the next five years. This year, the country pledged an additional USD 2 million to this effort.
Juul stressed that human rights and women's empowerment are among Norway's top priorities, both domestically and internationally. She said Norway supports the International Labour Organization's efforts in Jordan to promote gender equality, safety, and inclusion in the workplace, in addition to supporting various women's organizations and local NGOs.
She indicated that Norway's total contribution to development cooperation in Jordan is expected to reach nearly USD 14 million in 2024. Of this, USD 10 million is managed by the Norwegian embassy in Amman, while the remaining USD 4 million is administered from Oslo as humanitarian aid.
The ambassador praised Jordan's generosity in hosting refugees and reaffirmed Norway's commitment to providing substantial support to Syrian and Palestinian refugees.
She also commended Jordan's efforts to integrate Syrian refugee children into the national education system. She noted that Norway supports double-shift schools in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and contributed approximately USD 6.5 million to support the ministry in this area last year. Petra
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