Latest news with #Akhrif
Ammon
29-07-2025
- Business
- Ammon
Jordan-Morocco ties set a benchmark for Arab unity, Says Envoy
Ammon News - Moroccan Ambassador to Jordan Fouad Akhrif praised the deep-rooted and exemplary relations between Jordan and Morocco, calling them a model for Arab cooperation and political alignment. He attributed this strength to the mutual understanding and shared vision between His Majesty King Abdullah II and King Mohammed VI. On the 26th anniversary of King Mohammed VI's accession to the throne, Akhrif highlighted the continuous coordination between the two countries, particularly on major regional issues such as the ongoing war on Gaza and the broader Palestinian question. He described the bilateral relationship as grounded in historic solidarity and familial ties, with foundations laid by the late King Hussein Bin Talal and King Hassan II, and elevated in recent decades through strategic collaboration initiated by their successors. One of the most notable milestones, he said, was King Abdullah's 2019 visit to Morocco, which paved the way for expanded cooperation. Akhrif revealed that over 120 bilateral agreements are currently in place, covering sectors ranging from renewable energy and agriculture to tourism and vocational training. He noted ongoing efforts to broaden this strategic partnership with concrete projects and experience-sharing in sectors like construction, water management, and food industries. The anticipated meeting of the Joint High Commission, he added, will further institutionalize this growing cooperation. On the economic front, both countries are focused on unlocking greater trade and investment potential under a favorable legal framework. Akhrif pointed to the strategic locations of Jordan and Morocco as a major advantage and extended an open invitation to business leaders in both countries to explore the opportunities. Plans are also underway to host a joint economic forum in Morocco in the coming months, in partnership with the Jordan Chamber of Commerce and Morocco's General Confederation of Enterprises. This forum is expected to inject momentum into bilateral economic ties. The ambassador also announced the expected resumption of direct flights between Casablanca and Amman in the coming weeks, a step he said would enhance commercial, tourism, and human exchange, and respond to longstanding demand from both Moroccan and Jordanian communities, as well as other regional travelers. Cultural and educational exchange continues to be a cornerstone of the relationship, dating back to the 1970s. Many students from both nations have graduated from each other's universities and gone on to assume leadership roles, reinforcing shared understanding and people-to-people ties. He also referenced Jordan's support for Morocco's sovereignty, particularly through its participation in the 1975 Green March and the opening of its consulate in Laayoune in 2021, underscoring the strength of bilateral solidarity. Akhrif reiterated Morocco's support for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and a return to negotiations as the only viable path to lasting peace. He called for halting military escalation, ensuring unimpeded humanitarian aid access, protecting civilians in the West Bank, and implementing the reconstruction roadmap agreed at the recent Arab summit in Cairo under Palestinian leadership and international supervision. He concluded by reaffirming the identical positions of Jordan and Morocco on Palestine, stressing that true regional stability depends on a two-state solution, with Gaza as an integral part of a Palestinian state, based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. Petra
Ammon
04-06-2025
- Business
- Ammon
Jordan, Morocco discuss economic cooperation
Ammon News - The Amman Chamber of Commerce (ACC) and Morocco's ambassador to Jordan, Fouad Akhrif, held a meeting to explore ways to enhance trade and investment cooperation between the two countries, citing the need for stronger institutional coordination and greater engagement between their private sectors. According to a statement by the Chamber, Chairman Khalil Al-Haj Tawfiq emphasized the strength of Jordanian-Moroccan relations and called for the development of deeper economic ties. He said current trade volumes do not reflect the potential of the bilateral relationship and pointed to limited delegation exchanges and coordination between chambers of commerce as key obstacles. Al-Haj Tawfiq proposed activating communication channels, improving the flow of investment and trade information, and establishing continuous networking platforms between the two business communities. He announced an agreement with Moroccan Member of Parliament Khadija Hajoubi to host an exhibition of traditional Moroccan crafts and products in Amman later this year. A twinning arrangement is also planned between the Amman Chamber of Commerce and the chamber in the Fès-Meknès region. He added that the Chamber is prepared to support Moroccan companies seeking entry into the Jordanian market and encouraged joint private-sector participation in reconstruction projects in Syria. He also described Morocco as a key gateway for Jordanian companies seeking access to African markets. Al-Haj Tawfiq stressed the importance of streamlined visa procedures and closer cooperation with the Moroccan Embassy to facilitate business travel and joint trade events. Ambassador Akhrif acknowledged the strength of political ties between Jordan and Morocco but noted that economic relations remain underdeveloped by comparison. He urged both sides to intensify efforts to realize their economic potential, citing Morocco's ongoing development across sectors. He proposed holding a business forum in Morocco to bring together companies from both countries, focusing on promising sectors that could support trade and investment partnerships. Akhrif also highlighted Morocco's investment opportunities and encouraged Jordanian businesses to leverage existing bilateral agreements and participate in trade missions. Chamber board members emphasized the need to implement and update bilateral agreements and memorandums of understanding, noting that deeper cooperation could lead to expanded trade, greater diversification of exchanged goods, and stronger collaboration in tourism, transportation, and logistics. They welcomed the planned resumption of direct flights between the two countries later this year, which they said would improve business mobility. However, they noted that the current sea freight route is inefficient due to its length and called for the development of faster, more reliable transport links.
