Jordan, Russia sign agreement on visa-free travel
The agenda covers further efforts to promote and expand Russia-Jordan ties in all their aspects and in keeping with the tradition of maintaining friendly relations between the two countries.
The two ministers are expected to pay special attention to practical matters dealing with trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian cooperation to make full use of the existing potential in these domains.
The ministers will also exchange views on the latest international and regional developments with a focus on the need to settle conflicts and crisis situations in the Middle East by political and diplomatic means in strictly keeping with the principles set forth in the UN Charter and the resolutions of the UN Security Council.
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Jordan Times
6 hours ago
- Jordan Times
National service is part of wider endeavour to invest in human capital — Momani
AMMAN — The reactivation of the national service programme was driven by HRH Crown Prince Hussein's conviction in the importance of this national project in building a generation of disciplined and loyal young Jordanians, Government Communications Minister Mohammad Momani said on Wednesday. He noted that the programm enjoys the direct follow-up of His Majesty King Abdullah, reflecting the leadership's determination to channel youth energy into a productive force for national development. Speaking on a programme, broadcast by the Jordan Armed Forces–Arab Army (JAF) Radio, Momani, who is also the government spokesperson, said the government had worked for an entire year to translate this vision into practical steps, restoring national service as a key tool for shaping Jordanian identity and instilling the values of discipline and social responsibility. He stressed that national service is a long-term programme that reflects Jordan's approach to investing in human capital and shaping youth capable of making meaningful contributions to society and the national economy. The programme, he added, will continue under an institutional framework, away from short-term influences, to ensure sustainable impact. The JAF has full responsibility for implementing the programme, overseeing all logistical, administrative, and training aspects to ensure the highest standards of discipline and professionalism, he noted. He said that the programme combines specialised military and field training with interactive cultural and awareness sessions, designed to deepen participants' national consciousness and strengthen their ties with national institutions, foremost among them the army. Momani emphasised that the programme will undergo continuous evaluation, led by the JAF, to measure progress in achieving its goals. Its impact, he said, will gradually be reflected in strengthening young people's sense of commitment and belonging.
Jordan Times
8 hours ago
- Jordan Times
Safadi, Lavrov reiterate strong ties, expanding multi-sector cooperation
- Scholarships, joint committee meetings set to boost bilateral ties, coordinating on regional crises - Jordan, Russia align positions on Gaza, Palestine, Syria, stressing Arab - Peace Initiative only path to lasting peace - Top diplomats stress urgent aid delivery, prisoner exchange deals, int'l recognition of Palestine statehood AMMAN— Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Wednesday held extensive talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow, focusing on advancing bilateral cooperation and addressing key regional developments. At a joint press conference, the two ministers reaffirmed the commitment of His Majesty King Abdullah and President Vladimir Putin to strengthening Jordanian-Russian ties across economic, trade, tourism, and cultural sectors, according to a Foreign Ministry statement. Lavrov expressed Russia's interest in deepening its partnership with Jordan, noting that His Majesty King Abdullah will participate in the first Russia-Arab Summit in October and meet with Putin. He also noted that Moscow would host the seventh session of the Russian-Jordanian Joint Committee for Trade, Economic, Scientific, and Technical Cooperation before the end of the year, and underscore ongoing cooperation in education, including scholarships for Jordanian students. The Russian minister also pointed to the mutual visa exemption agreement, describing it as an important step to boost tourism and business ties. He said more than 1,500 Jordanian students are currently studying in Russia and praised the visits of Russian Orthodox pilgrims to Jordan's holy sites, especially the Baptism Site of Jesus Christ. On regional developments, Lavrov stressed that Jordan and Russia share aligned positions, particularly regarding Gaza and the West Bank. He called for a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire in Gaza, the implementation of prisoner exchange agreements, and intensified efforts to deliver humanitarian aid through UN agencies operating in the Strip. He also underlined Russia's commitment to advancing international recognition of an independent Palestinian state in line with UN resolutions as a path to regional stability. Safadi expressed Jordan's appreciation for Russia's position, saying: 'We appreciate Russia's call for an immediate and lasting ceasefire and the delivery of aid to Gaza.' He stressed that Israel must end its aggression and lift the blockade. Safadi warned of the catastrophic repercussions of Israel's 'aggressive and expansionist' policies in Gaza, the destruction of prospects for peace in the occupied West Bank, and its violations in Syria and Lebanon. He also reiterated Jordan's efforts, under His Majesty's leadership, to stop the massacres and alleviate the worsening humanitarian crisis. The foreign minister voiced Jordan's support for mediation efforts by Egypt, Qatar, and the US to secure a prisoner exchange deal that could pave the way for a permanent ceasefire, facilitate humanitarian access, and revive prospects for a political solution. He stressed that the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, remains the only viable path to peace. Safadi reiterated that the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative offers the most comprehensive framework for lasting peace, in contrast with what he described as Israel's 'destructive policies' of war and settlement expansion. He urged the international community to choose between supporting the initiative, which secures peace and stability, or allowing Israel's policies to fuel further conflict and instability. 'The obvious choice, one that safeguards regional security and international peace, is to support the Arab Peace Initiative. It protects the rights of all parties, upholds international law, and lays the foundation for a secure and stable future,' Safadi said. He warned that Israel's rhetoric of a so-called 'greater Israel' only fuels hatred and will lead to greater destruction. 'This agenda deepens the crisis, violates international law, and infringes on state sovereignty. It remains a fantasy for extremists, as all countries in the region, including Jordan, will resist any attempt to impose further conflict or domination,' he added. Safadi condemned the humanitarian toll of the war. 'It is unacceptable for Palestinian children to starve or for mothers to be unable to feed their children. The world bears a moral, humanitarian, and legal responsibility to put an end to these massacres and this starvation,' he said. Responding to questions on Israel's threats to expand the war, Safadi said such policies are intended to prolong conflict and advance expansionist agendas in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, and Syria. He urged the international community to take a clear stance: 'Does it work towards security, peace and stability for all, or towards further conflict and destruction that threaten regional and global security?' Safadi cautioned against Israel's declared intention to impose full military control over Gaza, warning of catastrophic consequences. 'What Israel is talking about is the displacement of one million Palestinians from Gaza City to the south, where over a million already live in camps lacking the basics of life,' he said. He added that a ceasefire proposal currently on the table 'must be accepted,' urging international pressure to end the catastrophe, stop the killings, and guarantee the entry of food, water, and medicine, while creating the political space needed to advance lasting solutions. Safadi also stressed the importance of allowing journalists into Gaza to report on starvation, massacres, and human suffering. He drew attention to deteriorating conditions in the West Bank, where settlement expansion, land confiscation, and assaults on Islamic and Christian holy sites threaten the prospects for peace. He said Israel is also exerting pressure on the Orthodox Church in an attempt to seize its properties. Safadi also welcomed the growing recognition of the State of Palestine, calling it an essential step toward translating political support for the two-state solution into concrete action. He urged other countries to follow suit, arguing that recognition of Palestine is a necessary expression of international consensus. 'If the world agrees that the two-state solution is the only path to peace, then recognition of Palestine is the practical embodiment of that position,' he said. He highlighted the recent Saudi-French initiative at the UN, where 125 countries reaffirmed their support for the two-state solution. 'This would not only guarantee Palestinian statehood but also ensure Israel's security and open the door to normal relations in the region,' he said. He stressed that such international consensus must be translated into practical measures that prevent actions obstructing peace, particularly settlement expansion and land confiscation. 'If the world views settlement expansion as a violation of international law and an obstacle to peace, then there must be practical measures to stop it,' Safadi added. Turning to Syria, Safadi reiterated Jordan's support for efforts to restore the country's security, stability, sovereignty, and unity, and to safeguard the rights of its citizens. He underlined that Jordan stands fully with Syria in reconstruction efforts aimed at ensuring stability and the safety of its people. 'We once again caution against the consequences of Israeli aggression on Syrian soil, which push the country towards instability. Syria's success is the region's success, and its stability is the region's stability,' he said. Safadi emphasised that stability in southern Syria is vital to Jordan's own security, recalling that the Kingdom recently hosted several meetings to address the tragic events in Sweida. He noted that Jordan is working with the Syrian government and the US to reach a solution that preserves Syria's territorial unity and guarantees the rights of Sweida's residents as integral citizens. He pointed to practical steps outlined in the Amman Statement following the Jordanian-Syrian-US tripartite meeting, including Damascus' commitment to cooperate with UN bodies, hold perpetrators accountable, deliver aid, and reintegrate Sweida into the state. He announced that a tripartite committee will be established to maintain the ceasefire and move toward a lasting solution. Preserving Syria's unity, he stressed, is 'a red line.' Safadi also warned that Israeli interference has fueled crises in Syria, urging respect for its sovereignty and unity. He noted that Damascus has reaffirmed it poses no threat to any party, abides by the 1974 disengagement agreement, and is willing to address Israel's security concerns. 'But occupation and intervention are not security for Israel,' he said. 'They threaten Syria's stability and fuel chaos that we will all pay for.' Safadi reaffirmed Jordan's continued cooperation with Syria, the US, regional partners, and the international community to deliver aid and restore stability, stressing that the Amman meeting marked the beginning of a process to overcome the tragic events in Sweida and ensure that Syrians live as equal citizens, free from threats to their safety. Safadi welcomed the conference between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Ukraine, underlining Jordan's support for a political solution that safeguards the rights of all parties and adheres to international law and legitimacy.
Jordan Times
8 hours ago
- Jordan Times
Industry Ministry drafts bylaw to regulate e-commerce parcels, protect traditional trade — official
AMMAN — The Ministry of Industry, Trade and Supply is preparing new regulations to control the import of postal parcels through e-commerce in a move aimed at protecting traditional trade from unfair competition. Ministry Secretary-General Dana Zoubi told Al Mamlaka TV that the decisions will introduce mechanisms to regulate online purchasing while safeguarding consumers from illegal practices and boosting public confidence in e-commerce. She noted that the main sectors affected by cross-border parcels are clothing, accessories, perfumes, cosmetics, toys, and dietary supplements, adding added that some individuals are engaged in unregulated e-commerce activities, stressing that the ministry will intensify efforts to monitor and organise the trade. Under the current bylaw, individuals are allowed to import parcels valued at up to JD200, with fees imposed at either 10 per cent or JD5 per parcel. E-commerce in Jordan has grown significantly in recent years. According to ministry figures, the number of parcels received through online platforms reached about 1.7 million in 2023, marking a 70 per cent increase from 2022. Data from the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission showed that the total number of internationally exchanged postal items reached nearly 2.7 million in 2024. Zoubi said that the ministry is also drafting an e-commerce bylaw to regulate the informal sector. The draft law covers licensing requirements, the validity of electronic contracts, consumer rights protection, documentation of e-stores, dispute resolution mechanisms, and personal data protection. She explained that the proposed bylaw will set clear rules to protect consumers, including the right to accurate product information, the right to return or exchange goods under defined conditions, and access to inspection services. The measures will also clarify the relationships among parties in online sales, strengthening oversight and enforcement, the secretary-general added. While Jordan's online shopping market is expanding rapidly, experts have warned the growth is becoming unsustainable as thousands of parcels flood the country daily, many of them evading proper customs procedures. According to the Clothing and Textile Merchants Syndicate, an estimated 7,500 parcels arrive daily, containing over 90,000 clothing items. The total value of these shipments reached JD310 million last year, surpassing the JD250 million recorded through traditional retail outlets, according to the syndicate. The sharp growth has given rise to what local business owners call 'digital smuggling,' the import of commercial quantities of goods under the guise of personal shipments. These parcels frequently bypass customs duties and regulatory checks, enabling unlicensed sellers to offer products at significantly lower prices, particularly on social media platforms. The ministry said previously it had received an increasing number of consumer complaints regarding the quality and authenticity of products ordered online, a growing indication of weak consumer protection in the digital commerce sector. While stakeholders acknowledge that digital trade brings innovation and convenience, many stress the urgent need for updated regulations and enforcement mechanisms to ensure fair competition and safeguard consumer rights.
