Al-Farayeh: Comprehensive Project to Develop King Hussein Bridge – Completion in 20 Months - Jordan News

Jordan News

13 hours ago

The Ministry of Interior launched today a project to develop and rehabilitate the King Hussein Bridge, funded by the Government of Canada and in strategic partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The event was attended by Minister of Interior Mazen Al-Farayeh, Canadian Ambassador to Jordan Tariq Ali Khan, UNODC Representative in Jordan Amjad Al-Adarbeh, along with several officials and representatives from security agencies. اضافة اعلان In his speech at the launch ceremony, Minister Al-Farayeh emphasized that initiating such a vital project amid current security challenges reflects Jordan's determination to proceed with strategic initiatives that enhance security and facilitate the movement of travelers. He praised Canada's strong support in areas of development, defense, security, and women's empowerment, as well as the historic partnership between the two nations. Al-Farayeh noted that rehabilitating the crossing aims to alleviate the suffering of travelers, especially Palestinians coming from the West Bank and Jerusalem, given the bridge's humanitarian and geographical significance as the only gateway for Palestinians to the outside world. It also serves as a main corridor for Palestinian pilgrims and Umrah travelers. He explained that the current project is part of a broader governmental plan to upgrade the center's infrastructure. This includes establishing a new departure and arrival terminal, expanding cargo areas, and improving the road network leading to the bridge from all directions, all of which will enhance commercial traffic and facilitate the movement of people and goods. The estimated duration of the project is around 20 months, with the government aiming to shorten this timeframe as much as possible. For his part, Canadian Ambassador Tariq Ali Khan expressed his pleasure in participating in the event, affirming Canada's commitment to supporting humanitarian and development efforts in Jordan and the region. He commended Jordan's role in facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza and praised the work of Jordanian border personnel and UN partners. Khan stated that the project, funded at 3.4 million Canadian dollars, includes the construction of dedicated corridors for humanitarian aid, and training facilities to build staff capacity and respond to growing needs. He emphasized that this collaboration would not have been possible without the strong partnership with the UN and Jordanian authorities. UNODC's Jordan Director, Amjad Al-Adarbeh, stressed that the project responds to a pressing need to upgrade the King Hussein Bridge, given its critical security and humanitarian dimensions. He noted that the project focuses on three main pillars: enhancing the capabilities of personnel working at the center, improving infrastructure and facilities, and strengthening institutional cooperation among partners. Al-Adarbeh added that the UNODC has been working with the Jordanian government for years on projects related to combating organized crime, terrorism, and drug trafficking, as well as developing criminal justice systems. He described the current project as a valuable addition to efforts aimed at strengthening national border security.
Project liaison officer Dr. Mahmoud Freihat presented the project's stages and final designs, which aim to deliver high-quality services to travelers and staff at the center, support regional stability and security, and ease the suffering of affected communities—especially Palestinians.