Latest news with #HarryVerweij
Jordan Times
03-05-2025
- Business
- Jordan Times
Dutch support for Jordan's water security highlighted during visit to Aqaba
Ambassador of the Netherlands to Jordan Harry Verweij concludes a two-day visit to Aqaba, underscoring the Netherlands' 'strong and growing' partnership with Jordan across key sectors (Photos courtesy of the Embassy of Netherlands) AMMAN — Ambassador of the Netherlands to Jordan Harry Verweij has concluded a two-day visit to Aqaba, underscoring the Netherlands' 'strong and growing' partnership with Jordan across key sectors. During his visit, Verweij held high-level meetings with Chief Commissioner of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) Nayef Fayez, and CEO of the Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC) Hussein Safadi, according to a statement for The Jordan Times. Discussions focused on Aqaba's strategic development plans, strengthening economic ties, and exploring opportunities to expand cooperation in a number of key areas. Joined by Director of the Project Management Unit at the Ministry of Water and Irrigation Saddam Khleifat, the ambassador visited the intake site of the Aqaba-Amman Water Desalination and Conveyance Project (AAWDCP). The Netherlands has recently committed 31 million euros in grant support to help advance the implementation of this critical infrastructure project, reflecting the Netherlands' 'long-standing' commitment to Jordan's water security and sustainable development. 'I was glad to visit the site in Aqaba personally to get a good sense of how the intake and desalination of the AAWDCP will be designed, as well as to underscore the Dutch commitment to this vital project for Jordan's future water security,' Verweij said. Verweij also toured the Aqaba Container Terminal (ACT) and Aqaba Port facilities, where Dutch expertise continues to contribute to the city's trade operations and development. ACT is managed by the Dutch company APM Terminals under a 25-year build-operate-transfer agreement signed in 2006 with the ADC. APM Terminals recently received approval to extend the current concession with 15 years reaching until 2046. CEO of ACT Harald Nijhof presented the terminal's latest achievements in operational performance, safety enhancements, and its plans to achieve full carbon neutrality by 2040, the statement said. At the Port of Aqaba, a joint Dutch-Jordanian venture, the Aqaba Port Marine Services Company (APMSCO) has been providing vital marine services such as towage, pilotage, mooring and related services since 2007. General Manager of APMSCO Frederik Rutgers briefed the ambassador on the company's operations, recent developments, and its role in ensuring safe and efficient maritime traffic at the Port of Aqaba. 'I am proud to see Dutch companies playing a key role in supporting Jordan's trade and maritime infrastructure in Aqaba. Their long-term partnerships with the government of Jordan not only reflect the strength of our bilateral relations but also contribute meaningfully to Aqaba's development as a regional logistics and trade hub,' added Verweij. The ambassador's visit reinforces the Netherlands' commitment to 'deepening' its partnership with Jordan, supporting key infrastructure projects vital to the Kingdom's future, while continually exploring possibilities for cooperation across various sectors.
Ammon
03-05-2025
- Business
- Ammon
Ambassador Verweij highlights Dutch support for Jordan's water security
Ammon News - The Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Jordan, Mr. Harry Verweij concluded a two-day visit to Aqaba, underscoring the Netherlands' strong and growing partnership with Jordan across key his visit, Ambassador Verweij held high-level meetings with H.E. Nayef Al Fayez, Chief Commissioner of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), and H.E. Hussein Safadi, CEO of the Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC). Discussions focused on Aqaba's Strategic development plans, strengthening economic ties, and exploring opportunities to expand cooperation in a number of key by the Director of the Project Management Unit (PMU) at the Ministry of Water and Irrigation, Mr. Saddam Khleifat, the Ambassador visited the intake site of the Aqaba-Amman Water Desalination and Conveyance Project (AAWDCP). The Netherlands recently committed €31 million in grant support to help advance the implementation of this critical infrastructure project, reflecting the Netherlands' long-standing commitment to Jordan's water security and sustainable development.'I was glad to visit the site in Aqaba personally to get a good sense of how the intake and desalination of the AAWDCP will be designed, as well as to underscore the Dutch commitment to this vital project for Jordan's future water security', said Ambassador addition, Ambassador Verweij toured the Aqaba Container Terminal (ACT) and Aqaba Port facilities, where Dutch expertise continues to contribute to the city's trade operations and development. ACT is managed by the Dutch company APM Terminals under a 25-year build-operate-transfer agreement signed in 2006 with the ADC. APM Terminals recently received approval to extend the current concession with 15 years reaching until 2046. Mr. Harald Nijhof, CEO of ACT, presented the terminal's latest achievements in operational performance, safety enhancements, and its plans to achieve full carbon neutrality by the Port of Aqaba, a joint Dutch-Jordanian venture, the Aqaba Port Marine Services Company (APMSCO) has been providing vital marine services such as towage, pilotage, mooring and related services since 2007. The General Manager of APMSCO, Mr. Frederik Rutgers, briefed the Ambassador on the company's operations, recent developments, and its role in ensuring safe and efficient maritime traffic at the Port of Aqaba.'I am proud to see Dutch companies playing a key role in supporting Jordan's trade and maritime infrastructure in Aqaba. Their long-term partnerships with the Government of Jordan not only reflect the strength of our bilateral relations but also contribute meaningfully to Aqaba's development as a regional logistics and trade hub,' added Ambassador Ambassador Verweij visited the Aqaba Digital Hub, where CEO Eyad Abu Khurma presented the company's strategic vision, and led a tour of its newly completed high-tech Ambassador's visit reinforces the Netherlands' commitment to deepening its partnership with Jordan, supporting key infrastructure projects vital to the Kingdom's future, while continually exploring possibilities for cooperation across various sectors.
Jordan News
17-04-2025
- Business
- Jordan News
€31 Million Dutch Grant for the Aqaba–Amman Water Carrier Project - Jordan News
In a strategic move to enhance Jordan's water security, Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Zeina Toukan signed on Thursday, April 17, a grant agreement worth €31 million provided by the Dutch government. The funds will contribute to the financing of the national water carrier project "Aqaba–Amman". The agreement was signed on behalf of the Dutch development finance institution, Invest International, by the Dutch Ambassador to Jordan, Harry Verweij. The signing ceremony was attended by Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abu Al-Saud and the representative of the European Investment Bank (EIB) in Jordan, Souad Farsi. The EIB will manage the grant. اضافة اعلان Dutch Ambassador Harry Verweij stated: "Providing additional non-groundwater sources through desalination is vital for Jordan's water security. The Netherlands is a global leader in water management and technology and a trusted partner of Jordan, as evident in projects like this large-scale desalination and water transmission project from Aqaba to Amman. It will secure future water supplies, including for vulnerable communities, and support economic growth in Jordan. The Netherlands is fully committed to this partnership." EIB Vice President Gelsomina Vigliotti added: "This generous Dutch contribution reflects our shared commitment to ensuring access to safe and sustainable water resources. The Water Sector Fund plays a vital role in mobilizing finance for essential projects, and these new funds will enhance our impact in Jordan." Petra Vernooij, Director of Public Infrastructure at Invest International, said: "We are proud to partner with the EIB in supporting the Aqaba-Amman desalination and transmission project through the Water Sector Fund. This investment is crucial for strengthening Jordan's water security and addressing growing challenges caused by regional conflicts and climate change. It reflects our commitment to tackling global challenges through innovation and collaboration." Minister of Water and Irrigation, Eng. Raed Abu Al-Saud, emphasized that the project is progressing according to plan, as part of the government's commitment to implementing the Royal directives, the Economic Modernization Vision, and the strategic water sector plan. He highlighted that the project will provide sustainable solutions to alleviate water shortages by desalinating 300 million cubic meters of seawater, helping to combat climate change effects, and meeting the needs of around 4 million citizens. He added that this is one of the largest desalination and infrastructure projects in the region, and it will help reduce the deterioration of underground and surface water basins by replenishing them naturally and increasing water availability. Minister Toukan expressed her appreciation for the Dutch government and Invest International's support for the national water carrier project within the framework of the Team Europe Initiative for the Green Economy. She noted that the project will offer a vital source of water for Jordan and contribute to sustainable economic development. The project will desalinate Red Sea water from the Gulf of Aqaba to supply drinking water to both Aqaba and Amman, as well as serve other governorates along the pipeline route, including Ma'an, Tafileh, Karak, and Madaba.
Jordan Times
17-04-2025
- Business
- Jordan Times
Jordan signs €31 grant agreement with Dutch government to finance National Carrier Project
Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Zeina Toukan and Dutch Ambassador to Jordan Harry Verweij on Thursday sign a 31 million euros grant agreement to finance the Aqaba-Amman Water Desalination and Conveyance Project (Photo courtesy of the Ministry of Planning) AMMAN — The Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation on Thursday signed a grant agreement with the Dutch government to finance the Aqaba-Amman Water Desalination and Conveyance Project with a total of 31 millioneuros. The agreement was signed by Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Zeina Toukan and Dutch Ambassador to Jordan Harry Verweij, on behalf of the Dutch state-owned development financier Invest International in the presence of Raed Abu Saud, the Minister of Water and Irrigation, and SouadFarsi, Representative of the European Investment Bank (EIB) in Jordan, which will manage the agreement. "Making additional, non-groundwater available through desalination is crucial for water security in Jordan," Verweij said in a Ministry of Planning statement. "The Netherlands is a global leader in water management and technology, and a reliable partner to Jordan, demonstrated through projects such as the Aqaba-Amman Water Desalination and Conveyor Project. This transformative initiative will ensure a sustainable water supply for the future, including for vulnerable communities, while also supporting Jordan's economic growth. The Netherlands remains fully committed to this partnership." EIB Vice President Gelsomina Vigliotti said, 'This significant contribution from The Netherlands underscores our shared commitment to ensuring access to safe and sustainable water resources. The Water Sector Fund plays a crucial role in mobilizing finance for essential projects, and this new funding will allow us to expand our impact in Jordan.' 'We are proud to partner with the EIB to support the Aqaba-Amman Water Desalination and Conveyance project through the Water Sector Fund. This investment is vital for enhancing water security in Jordan and addressing water challenges, which have been exacerbated by regional conflicts and climate change. The investment demonstrates our commitment to addressing global challenges through innovation and collaboration,' Petra Vernooij, Director Public Infrastructure of Invest International, said. Abu Saud said that the project is progressing according to established plans, demonstrating the government's commitment to implementing the Royal directives and achieving the Economic Modernisation Vision, along with the strategic plan for the water sector, the statement said. He said that the project will provide sustainable solutions to address part of the water shortage by desalinating 300 million cubic meters while addressing the impacts of climate change and meeting the needs of approximately 4 million citizens. 'This project is one of the most extensive desalination and infrastructure projects in Jordan, as it will limit groundwater and surface water degradation by natural replenishment and increase water supplies.' Toukan commended the Dutch government and Invest International's support for this critical project, which is part of the Team Europe initiative on Green Economy. 'This project will provide an important source of water, and contribute to enhancing economic development in Jordan,' she concluded. The Aqaba-Amman Water Desalination and Conveyance Project, also known as the National Carrier Project, will desalinate water from the Red Sea starting from the Gulf of Aqaba, ensuring drinking water supply to Amman and Aqaba while serving other governorates along the pipeline route, including Maan, Tafileh, Karak, and Madaba.
Jordan Times
11-02-2025
- Business
- Jordan Times
Mercy Corps, Dutch embassy celebrate success of Jordan Hortifuture project
The project aims to strengthen the broader horticulture sector (Photo courtesy of Mercy Corps) AMMAN — Under the patronage of Minister of Agriculture Khaled Hneifat and in the presence of Dutch Ambassador to Jordan Harry Verweij, Mercy Corps held the closing ceremony for the Jordan Hortifuture project. The three-year project was funded by the Dutch embassy to Jordan and implemented through a consortium comprising Mercy Corps, Wageningen University, and 'Advance Consulting,' according to a statement for The Jordan Times. The project aimed to strengthen the broader horticulture sector across the whole value chain and improve the income opportunities and longer-term resilience of smallholder farmers in Balqa, Irbid, Ajloun, and Jordan Valley in Jordan, while including women, and youth. The project was implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, the National Agricultural Research Centre, the Jordan Cooperative Corporation, the Agricultural Credit Corporation, and the Jordanian Association of Olive Products Exporters. In his opening remarks, Country Director of Mercy Corps Jordan Darius Radcliffe emphasised the importance of cooperation and a shared vision for sustainability, innovation, and resilience in Jordan's agricultural sector. He also said "The project has made remarkable progress in supporting the agricultural sector, with 5,166 farmers receiving Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) training, enabling them to adopt more efficient and sustainable farming methods. As a result of the project's interventions, 65 per cent of participating farmers reported an increase in their income, demonstrating the programme's success in enhancing financial stability and expanding market opportunities. Verweij highlighted the importance of agriculture, saying, 'As a global leader in agriculture, the Netherlands values this vital sector. With 25 per cent of underprivileged households in Jordan relying on it for income, our partnership is crucial. I am confident the programme's impact will endure, strengthening Jordan's position as a sustainable agricultural producer. He added, 'We aim to be a stable and solid partner of Jordan as we know that Jordan strives to be the same to us, the Netherlands, and to the international community at large. We know we may count on Jordan to give that friendship to the Dutch.' Hneifat stressed that the project represents an outstanding model of cooperation and partnership in the agricultural and food security sectors. He expressed his gratitude to all those involved in its implementation and hoped to see more similar initiatives in the future. The closing ceremony was attended by representatives of the consortium members, project partners and stakeholders from various ministries, government entities, public and private sector institutions, and international organisations involved in the project's implementation. The event included comprehensive presentations and videos on the project's key objectives and success stories from beneficiaries. At the end of the ceremony, the project's donor, consortium members, and key partners who contributed to its success were honoured. The event also featured a bazaar, where a group of beneficiary farmers displayed a diverse range of their agricultural products, the statement said.
