"Amman" Chosen as the Digital Capital of the Arab World for 2025 - Jordan News
Engineer Bassam Al-Sarhan, Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission, confirmed that the choice of Amman as the "Digital Capital of the Arab World" for 2025 by the Arab Ministerial Council for Communications and Information came because it is a smart city whose facilities and services are managed through an expandable digital system. اضافة اعلان Al-Sarhan stated that selecting Amman as one of the successful and pioneering Arab models to enable digital integration among Arab countries and benefit from the outstanding technological experiences in the city will lead to more investments in the information and communications technology sector. He highlighted that Amman hosts numerous pioneering projects in the telecommunications and information technology sector, making it an attractive center for investments. It is worth noting that the announcement of Amman as the "Digital Capital of the Arab World" for 2025 was made during the 28th session of the Arab Ministerial Council for Communications and Information, which was hosted by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology of the Arab Republic of Egypt on January 23rd. Al-Sarhan participated in this session as a representative of the Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship, Engineer Sami Samirate.
This announcement followed a review of the technical secretariat's memorandum, the report and recommendations from the 54th meeting of the Permanent Arab Committee for Communications and Information, and the recommendations from the 55th session of the Executive Office, after listening to interventions and contributions from all the Arab delegations.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Ammon
17 hours ago
- Ammon
King concludes working visit to Europe
Ammon News - His Majesty King Abdullah II concluded his working visit to Europe that included Spain, the United Kingdom, and France. In Spain, His Majesty met with King Felipe VI of Spain in Madrid on Thursday. The meeting covered the importance of continued coordination between Jordan and Spain on issues of mutual concern, as well as keenness to elevate bilateral relations to the level of strategic partnership. His Majesty commended Spain's support for the rights of Palestinians, as well as its support of creating a political horizon to achieve peace on the basis of the two-state solution, and the need to stop the war on Gaza and resume the flow of sufficient humanitarian aid to all areas of the Strip. Also, His Majesty King Abdullah II and President of the Government of Spain Pedro Sánchez witnessed the signing of a joint declaration on the strategic partnership between Jordan and Spain on Thursday. The declaration aims to elevate bilateral relations between Jordan and Spain to a strategic level in the development-related, economic, commercial, social, cultural and defence fields, with the aim of achieving goals of mutual interest, and enhancing security and stability. In addition, a memorandum of understanding for cooperation in the agriculture sector, and an extradition agreement were signed. During expanded talks with Prime Minister Sánchez, His Majesty emphasised the significance of these agreements, which will serve to enhance cooperation between the two countries across all fields, and noted the importance of maintaining coordination, and building on the two countries' long history of mutual respect and commitment to the pursuit of peace and stability around the world. The King expressed appreciation for Spain's support to Jordan's services to refugees, as well as its economic and administrative modernisation efforts, noting readiness to deepen cooperation in the economic and tourism fields. Speaking about regional developments, His Majesty praised Spain's position calling for an end to the war on Gaza, and ensuring that delivery of humanitarian aid reaches all areas of the Strip. The King highlighted the importance of Spain's decision to recognise the Palestinian state, a step that will lead to more support for the Palestinian people. His Majesty said work is underway to gain more European support for the Arab plan to rebuild Gaza without displacing its residents, commending Spain as the voice of reason and wisdom. The King warned of the dangers of unilateral measures targeting Palestinians in the West Bank, and Muslim and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem. His Majesty reiterated the need to step up international efforts to support Palestinians in gaining their legitimate rights to establish their independent state on the basis of the two-state solution. For his part, Prime Minister Sánchez praised Jordan's important efforts, under the leadership of His Majesty, to promote security and stability in the region and the world, noting Jordan's vital role in supporting Palestinians. Sánchez added that the war on Gaza, which has claimed the lives of tens of thousands of innocent civilians, must be brought to an end. In the United Kingdom, the King met with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, and they discussed bilateral relations and regional developments during their meeting in London on Thursday. During a bilateral meeting followed by an expanded one at 10 Downing Street, His Majesty affirmed Jordan's commitment to continuing to build on the deep-rooted ties and historic friendship between Jordan and the UK. His Majesty commended the joint efforts by Jordan and the UK to address developments in the region, emphasising the need for coordination at the bilateral and Arab-European levels. Regarding regional developments, the King stressed the need to step up international efforts to immediately end the war on Gaza, and ensure the flow of humanitarian aid. His Majesty praised the UK's support to the humanitarian response in Gaza, highlighting the importance of its efforts to achieve stability in the region, and just and comprehensive peace on the basis of the two-state solution. The King also warned of the dangers of recent escalations in the West Bank, as well as the attacks on Muslim and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, reiterating Jordan's position that rejects the displacement of Palestinians from their land. His Majesty also highlighted Jordan's readiness to maintain coordination with the UK in service of the two countries' mutual goals and interests, as well as on regional issues. For his part, Prime Minister Starmer thanked His Majesty for his leadership and efforts, particularly in the region, in relation to the conflicts taking place, noting that their meeting was an important opportunity to discuss and exchange views on regional issues and bilateral relations. Starmer pointed out the importance of the two countries continuing to work together, including efforts to immediately reach a ceasefire in Gaza, and ensure the delivery of urgent humanitarian aid as quickly as possible. He agreed that the only long-term solution is the two-state solution. His Majesty met in London on Friday with current and former British officials, and members of the House of Commons and House of Lords to discuss key developments in the Middle East. The meeting covered the situation in Gaza, with His Majesty emphasising the need to immediately end the war on Gaza, and ensure the entry of sufficient aid to alleviate the dire humanitarian situation in the Strip. The King highlighted the importance of the UK's role in bringing stability to the region, and creating a political horizon to achieve just and comprehensive peace on the basis of the two-state solution. Discussions also touched on current developments in the West Bank, Jerusalem, and Syria. In France, His Majesty met with number of officials, heads of state, and Prime Ministers. The King also met with France President Emmanuel Macron in Nice, where His Majesty stressed Jordan's readiness to strengthen ties with France across various sectors, which will contribute to enhancing stability in the Middle East. The two leaders highlighted the importance of maintaining coordination on regional issues, stepping up international efforts to reach comprehensive calm in the region, immediately reinstating the ceasefire in Gaza, and resuming the entry of humanitarian aid. His Majesty warned of the serious consequences of continued escalations in the West Bank and Jerusalem, reiterating that granting Palestinians their full legitimate rights is the only way to stabilise the region.
Jordan News
6 days ago
- Jordan News
Farewell to the Chinese Ambassador and Prospects for Jordanian-Chinese Partnership - Jordan News
Before Ambassador Chen Chuandong finished his speech in the celebration hall in central Amman, his tears preceded his words, transforming the farewell stage into a humane space pulsating with intimacy. The man spent four and a half years in the Kingdom, during which he led a path of cooperation that took the form of a growing strategic partnership, and the Chinese and Arab civilizations embodied a model of understanding based on mutual respect and mutual benefit. The following article traces the most important milestones of this period, examining the significance of the farewell moment and the prospects it opens for the next decade. اضافة اعلان First: The Farewell Scene... When Emotion Speaks in Diplomatic Tones At the end of the ceremony, the ambassador's voice trembled as he recalled the names of the Jordanian places that had sheltered him, from the alleys of Jabal Luweibdeh to the balconies of Jerash, suspended in the memory of history. The scene seemed exceptional in a world where emotions are usually controlled by the rhythm of protocol. However, the man chose to express his gratitude with Eastern frankness, not devoid of the warmth of Beijing. Those tears, as one of the attendees commented, "were not shed on the airport asphalt, but on the soil of a second homeland that its owner loved until the last day of his mission." This emotional dimension does not detract from the professional nature of the outcome; it merely confirms that relations between peoples, when formulated sincerely, transcend the language of technical interests to touch the hearts of individuals. Second: Ten Years of Strategic Partnership... A Busy Achievements Calendar A full decade ago, in 2015, Amman and Beijing announced the elevation of their relations to a strategic partnership. Since then, and particularly during Ambassador Chen's tenure, three key themes have been crystallized: Economy and Trade: The volume of trade increased from $360 million in 2020 to $537 million in 2024, with an annual growth rate of nearly 21%. These figures may seem modest compared to larger markets, but they reflect a new structure in the trade basket, with fertilizers, solar panels, and textiles emerging as key components. Most importantly, Chinese companies now own the largest stake in the Arab Potash Company, increasing fertilizer production and contributing to Chinese food security, while providing revenues and job opportunities to the Jordanian treasury. Energy and Green Transformation: Chinese institutions have invested in wind farms in the Tafilah region and photovoltaic projects in several areas, helping Jordan double the contribution of renewable energy to its electricity mix. This cooperation aligns with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 to reduce emissions and ensure security of supply. Belt and Road Initiative: Signing a Memorandum of Understanding and opening the door to the establishment of logistics corridors linking Aqaba to Chinese Red Sea ports, in addition to projects to digitize ports and railways. This is how the Chinese philosophy is translated: seamless trade intersects with Jordan's ambition to become a regional hub linking Asia, Europe, and Africa. Third: Culture and Education... The Bridge That Politics Cannot Destroy The strength of relations between countries is not measured by trade balance indicators alone, but rather by the depth of cultural exchange and human interaction they reflect. The Jerash Festival has become a model for this cultural convergence, hosting Chinese troupes for successive years, presenting performances of traditional music and contemporary dance. The closing evenings of these troupes have become among the most anticipated events in the historic amphitheaters. On the other hand, the "Tea for Harmony" event has transformed from a simple initiative to bring Jordanian and Chinese cultures together in a garden at the University of Jordan, into a well-established annual event that attracts hundreds of families. Visitors learn about Chinese tea-making rituals and their ancient history, while Jordanian participants enjoy maqluba and mansaf dishes, a scene that embodies the true meaning of cultural exchange and the rich diversity between peoples. Language education: Approximately 600 Jordanian students are learning Chinese at Confucius Institutes, while 500 Chinese students are immersed in the beauty of the Arabic language at Jordanian universities. These generations are the true fuel for the sustainability of the relationship. Training programs: Last year alone, 600 Jordanians took short courses in Beijing, Shenzhen, and Suzhou, covering artificial intelligence, urban policy, and heritage management. They return with new ideas and personal friendships. Fourth: Political Harmony and Common Positions At the diplomatic level, observers can almost detect a remarkable harmony between Amman and Beijing on key issues. The Palestinian issue—which tops Jordan's foreign policy agenda—enjoys unwavering Chinese support for a two-state solution. The two countries translated this discourse by sending humanitarian aid to Gaza in late 2023, carried out by a joint airlift. Jordan, for its part, affirms at every forum its commitment to the "One China" principle as a pillar of international stability. Fifth: The Compass of Domestic Development... What Does Jordan Mean to Beijing? Chinese experts describe Jordan as a "laboratory of stability" in a turbulent region. The Kingdom, under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II, has weathered the storms of the "Arab Spring" without institutional collapse and has gradually modernized its political system. From Beijing's perspective, this promising climate of sustainability is an ideal environment for long-term investments, free from the sovereign risks threatening mega-projects in some neighboring countries. The Chinese side also benefits from Jordan's geopolitical location; the Kingdom is a transit gateway to the markets of Iraq and Syria, and linking the port of Aqaba to the Belt and Road Initiative will provide China with an alternative artery to the Suez Canal in emergencies. Sixth: Challenges and Opportunities in the Next Five Years Diversifying Partnerships: Despite China's momentum, Jordan is keen not to limit its economic options to a single entity. The balance between East and West will remain the motto of the next phase, requiring Beijing to offer more competitive offers while respecting the unique characteristics of the Jordanian market. Deepening Local Manufacturing: The current model focuses on importing Chinese components and assembling them in Jordan. Jordanian decision-makers aspire to transfer deeper technologies, enabling the establishment of real industries that attract Jordanian engineers. Soft diplomacy and deepening success narratives: Jordanian citizens see the Chinese presence as an added value to their daily lives, not just numbers in the news. Here, cultural grant programs and popular media play a pivotal role. Seventh: Chen's Tears... A Farewell Message or a Promise of a Reunion? When the ambassador was asked after his speech about the reason for his tears, he responded with a brief statement: "I loved Jordan more than I expected." Between the lines lies the understanding that international relations are not built solely on agreements signed behind closed doors; rather, they are built on simple human rhythms: a friend who becomes familiar with a street, masters a new language, says "good morning" in the Ammani dialect, and the neighbors respond with "你好" at the door. This intimacy may seem like a marginal detail on the Foreign Ministry's agenda, but it is a spirit capable of moving the wheels of the economy, culture, and politics in directions that are difficult to measure with numbers. And then: Where do Where do we go from here? As Jordan and China mark the tenth anniversary of their strategic partnership, they close a chapter enriched by Ambassador Chen Chuandong's efforts and open a new one poised to tackle shared challenges—post-pandemic recovery, energy security, and climate change. This is a moment for both nations to co-create a development model that fuses innovation with cultural diversity and adapts technology to Jordan's unique context, all while benefiting from China's openness and experience. Though Ambassador Chen is preparing to leave Amman, the legacy he leaves behind—from solar panels glinting in the desert sun to the harmonies of "Zhong Rui" echoing through the Jerash Amphitheater—will endure. It serves as lasting proof that when diplomacy is guided by empathy and vision, it writes more than agreements; it writes relationships. In a world where headlines fade fast, perhaps the most enduring mark of an ambassador is this simple line etched into the history of two nations: 'A friendship was born here.'
Al Bawaba
6 days ago
- Al Bawaba
Syria and KSA deepen economic ties with focus on investment and reconstruction
Published June 4th, 2025 - 06:59 GMT These include a joint financial package announced last Saturday by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, offering three months of salary support for Syrian public sector employees. ALBAWABA- In a new sign of warming relations, Saudi Arabia and Syria have opened formal discussions on strengthening bilateral investment and economic cooperation, marking a significant step in the region's evolving political and financial landscape. Also Read Syria signs mega project for power and progress Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih met virtually with Syrian Minister of Economy and Trade Mohammad Nidal Al-Shaar to explore joint investment opportunities and long-term economic partnerships. According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the talks focused on fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors and boosting targeted investments in Syria's productive and service industries. — الخليج أونلاين (@AlkhaleejOnline) June 4, 2025 Al-Falih emphasized Riyadh's commitment to creating a supportive environment for regional investment and reiterated Saudi Arabia's interest in backing Syria's economic recovery and stability. The meeting comes amid a sweeping political shift following the fall of Bashar Al-Assad's regime in December 2024. Since then, Syria's new government has been reintegrated into the Arab diplomatic sphere, with Saudi Arabia playing a key role in facilitating its return. Saudi support has gone beyond humanitarian assistance. In recent months, the Kingdom and Qatar have launched several strategic initiatives to support Syria's reconstruction. These include a joint financial package announced last Saturday by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, offering three months of salary support for Syrian public sector employees. In another significant development, a $7 billion memorandum of understanding was signed last week between Syria's Ministry of Energy and a regional investment consortium led by Qatar's Urbacon Holding Group and Turkish and American firms. The agreement will fund critical electricity sector projects vital to Syria's redevelopment. Additionally, in April, Saudi Arabia and Qatar cleared Syria's outstanding $15 million debt with the World Bank, underlining their commitment to rebuilding Syria's financial credibility on the global stage. © 2000 - 2025 Al Bawaba (
