Latest news with #CrownPrinceHussein

Jordan's foreign minister, Finnish counterpart discuss bilateral ties, regional developments

Zawya

3 days ago

General
Zawya

Jordan's foreign minister, Finnish counterpart discuss bilateral ties, regional developments

AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Tuesday held talks with Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen, focusing on boosting bilateral ties and addressing regional and international developments. Safadi and Valtonen underlined the importance of enhancing cooperation across all sectors, both bilaterally and within the framework of the strategic partnership with the EU. The ministers also stressed the need to reinforce multilateral cooperation and uphold international law as a cornerstone of international stability, according to a Foreign Ministry statement. The meeting included discussions on preparations for a high-level side event co-hosted by Jordan and Finland during the upcoming 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly. The event will commemorate the 10th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 2250 on Youth, Peace, and Security, an initiative spearheaded by HRH Crown Prince Hussein. On Gaza, the two top diplomats reviewed ongoing efforts to achieve a permanent ceasefire, ensure the immediate and sufficient delivery of humanitarian aid and support regional and international initiatives aimed at producing concrete outcomes from next month's international conference in New York, co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France. The conference seeks to advance a just and lasting peace based on the two-state solution. Safadi reiterated Jordan's call for increased international recognition of the State of Palestine, highlighting it as a reaffirmation of international support for the two-state solution. Turning to Syria, the ministers discussed recent developments, with Safadi stressing the importance of supporting reconstruction efforts grounded in principles that uphold Syria's unity, security, and stability, eliminate terrorism, and guarantee the rights of all Syrians. Safadi also commended Finland's contributions to regional security and stability. Both ministers agreed to maintain close coordination and cooperation in the interest of strengthening the longstanding friendship between the two countries. © Copyright The Jordan Times. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (

Jordan's ICT sector revenues grew tenfold since 2000 — Int@j

Zawya

5 days ago

Business
Zawya

Jordan's ICT sector revenues grew tenfold since 2000 — Int@j

AMMAN — Chairman of the Information and Communication Technology Association of Jordan (Int@j) Eid Sweis on Saturday said that the Kingdom's ICT sector has witnessed a "qualitative" shift over the past decades, during which its revenues have increased nearly tenfold since the beginning of the millennium. Sweis noted that this growth has made the ICT sector a 'pillar' of the national economy and reflects Jordan's "success" story in independence and development, coinciding with the Kingdom's celebrations of its 79th Independence Day. He said that this progress would not have been achieved without the Royal directives and continuous support of His Majesty King Abdullah, who has directed, in various forums, to boost Jordan's position as a "regional centre" in the ICT field, develop digital infrastructure and stimulate entrepreneurship and innovation. Sweis added that His Majesty pays special attention to youth and digital entrepreneurship as the "true" gateway to the economy of the future. He said that these visions have been translated into "clear" executive policies and integrated cooperation between the public and private sectors. Sweis pointed to the "diligent" follow-up and high-level efforts exerted by HRH Crown Prince Hussein in supporting the digital and technology sector. He referred to the Crown Prince's continuous monitoring of digital transformation projects, and his directives on the necessity of empowering youth in the digital economy and innovation, which have enhanced Jordan's "attractiveness" for technology investment and provided an incubator environment for startups. Sweis noted that the number of employees in the sector has reached over 46,000, compared with only about 10,000 in 2000, marking a growth of more than 4.5 times, including about 10,000 employees working in the "outsourcing" sector for local, regional and international companies that base their operations in Jordan. He said that the sector's revenues have jumped from about $320 million in the early 2000s to over $3.6 billion today, recording a more than tenfold increase, reflecting the sector's "vitality and its ability" to directly contribute to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In the education field, he said the number of graduates in ICT and engineering majors from Jordanian universities has increased from less than 1,000 per year at the beginning of the millennium to some 7,000 per year currently, 40 per cent of whom are female. Sweis announced that over 39 universities, both public and private, offer specialisations in the sector, enhancing qualified human capital. He noted that the Kingdom currently has three telecom companies providing 4G services in all regions and 5G in major cities, with a plan to reach 50 per cent 5G coverage by 2028 as part of enhancing the digital infrastructure. Regarding startups, he indicated that a total of over 450 startups are operating in various sectors, mainly financial technology, e-learning, e-commerce, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, block chain, electronic games and tourism, with support from specialised business accelerators and investment funds. The sector's exports of IT services and products have increased from less than $50 million two decades ago to over $300 million today, constituting a nearly six-fold increase, he pointed out. Sweis said that the telecom sector's total revenues amounted to JD1.2 billion, while investment in the sector in 2023 amounted to around JD347 million. He said that 45 telecom service companies are licensed, and the percentage of fixed internet subscriptions has reached 7 per cent, around 800,000 subscribers, while the internet coverage rate of cellular networks has reached 67 per cent. © Copyright The Jordan Times. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( \

Queen Rania skips Jordan's Independence Day celebrations due to back injury

The National

5 days ago

Entertainment
The National

Queen Rania skips Jordan's Independence Day celebrations due to back injury

Queen Rania skipped Jordan's Independence Day celebrations on Sunday due to a back injury. The Jordanian royal shared a photo of herself watching the celebrations on television with Princess Iman, who gave birth to her first child, daughter Amina, in February. "Happy Independence Day to our beloved Jordan. I look forward to celebrating this day alongside His Majesty each year, but I am tuning in from home after treatment for back pain - with my dear Iman graciously keeping me company," Queen Rania posted on Instagram. In Arabic, she jokingly added that she has joined "the Jordanian disc club", suggesting spinal issues. Jordan celebrated its 79th Independence Day with patriotic fervour on Sunday. Streets across Amman were lined with flags, while government buildings, historical sites and main roads were dressed in red, white, green and black – the colours of the Jordanian flag. This year's celebrations featured cultural performances, air and drone shows and a special ceremony attended by the royal family at Al Husseiniya Palace in the evening. The Royal Hashemite Court posted a photo of King Abdullah II accompanied by Crown Prince Hussein, Princess Salma and Prince Hashem arriving for the ceremony. Prince Hussein's wife, Princess Rajwa, who turned 31 in April, was not seen in the photo. At the ceremony, King Abdullah bestowed medals upon several distinguished Jordanian individuals and leading national institutions in recognition of their significant contributions and services to the nation and its people, state news agency Roya News reported. Crown Prince Hussein also posted a photo from the event. "Today, we celebrate the outstanding achievements of a group of Jordanians whose dedication continues to inspire. Happy Independence Day," he shared on Instagram.

His Majesty attends ceremony marking 79th Independence Day

Jordan Times

6 days ago

Politics
Jordan Times

His Majesty attends ceremony marking 79th Independence Day

His Majesty King Abdullah, accompanied by HRH Crown Prince Hussein, attends the ceremony marking Jordan's 79th Independence Day at Al Husseiniya Palace (Photos courtesy of Royal Court) AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah, accompanied by HRH Crown Prince Hussein, attended the ceremony to mark Jordan's 79th Independence Day, held on Sunday at Al Husseiniya Palace. During the ceremony, attended by HRH Prince Hashem, heads of authorities delivered speeches expressing deep pride in Jordan and highlighting the significance of the occasion, which serves to reaffirm Jordanians' devotion to their homeland, and their determination to support its continued advancement under the Hashemite leadership. The prime minister, Senate president, House of Representatives speaker, and president of the Judicial Council expressed pride in the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army and security agencies for their role in safeguarding the Kingdom. They also emphasised Jordanians' steadfast support for the Hashemite leadership in defending Arab causes, and supporting Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, as well as safeguarding Muslim and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem. During the ceremony, His Majesty bestowed Royal medals upon a number of distinguished Jordanian individuals and leading national institutions in recognition of their significant contributions and services to the nation and its people. The ceremony highlighted the achievements of Jordanians who have distinguished themselves in different sectors, including filmmaking, media, economics, vocational training, literature, education, technology, culture, medicine, science, and sports. Royal family members, senior officials and officers, members of the diplomatic corps, and representatives of political parties, civil society organisations, and professional associations attended the ceremony.

Crown Prince marks Jordan's 79th Independence Day with message of pride