Latest news with #Jordanian-Saudi


Jordan Times
19-04-2025
- Jordan Times
Pharaonic inscription of Ramses III discovered in southern Jordan
An image shows the hieroglyphic inscription bearing the royal cartouche of Pharaoh Ramses III (1186–1155 BC) discovered in the Wadi Rum Reserve in southern Jordan (Photo courtesy of the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities) AMMAN — A hieroglyphic inscription bearing the royal cartouche of Pharaoh Ramses III (1186–1155 BC) has been discovered in the Wadi Rum Reserve in southern Jordan, marking what officials described as a significant archaeological breakthrough. Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Lina Annab announced the discovery during a press briefing attended by renowned Egyptian archaeologist Dr. Zahi Hawass. 'The inscription is the first of its kind to be found in Jordan and provides rare, tangible evidence of Pharaonic Egypt's historical presence in the region,' she said in a ministry's statement. 'This is a landmark discovery that enhances our understanding of ancient connections between Egypt, Jordan, and the Arabian Peninsula,' Annab said, adding, 'It affirms Jordan's role not only as a crossroads of civilizations but as a cradle of them.' Annab described the finding as a "qualitative addition" to Jordan's extensive collection of inscriptions, calling the Kingdom an "open library" of cultural heritage. She noted that the discovery will be formally announced once research and analysis are complete, allowing for a comprehensive interpretation of the inscription's significance. Hawass emphasised the importance of the find, explaining that the inscription includes two cartouches bearing the birth name and throne name of Ramses III, a ruler of Egypt's Twentieth Dynasty. The presence of his name in Jordan suggests far-reaching influence and warrants further investigation, the statement said. 'The discovery is crucial,' Hawass said. 'It could open the door to a deeper understanding of Egypt's interactions with the southern Levant and Arabian Peninsula over 3,000 years ago.' The inscription was found southeast of the Wadi Rum Reserve, near the Jordanian-Saudi border. It is part of a joint archaeological initiative between Jordan and the Saudi Heritage Commission to trace evidence of Ramses III's campaigns in the region. Officials hailed the collaboration as a model for cultural and scientific exchange, underscoring the growing importance of regional partnerships in uncovering shared histories.

Ammon
18-02-2025
- Business
- Ammon
A new Middle East reality: How Jordan became central player in Gaza's future
Ammon News - With the conclusion of the first meeting between President Donald Trump and His Majesty King Abdullah, Jordan finds itself facing a real political test. The strategy of buying time with an administration that has been in office for only a few weeks may not offer much room for maneuvering, making it increasingly difficult to navigate the direction of US policy. Jordan has sought to carve out a space for itself by engaging with the American president and promoting an alternative that has broader Arab support. However, this approach requires swift action and the presentation of practical alternatives that could gradually shape Trump's perspective. Jordan now needs to build strong alliances to manage the next phase and counter the looming threat of forced displacement of Gaza's population—a proposal that Trump has openly suggested as the only solution. Regionally, Jordan finds itself alongside Egypt as both countries face direct pressure from the US displacement plan. This shared challenge has reinforced their cooperation on various regional issues over the years, yet expanding the Arab alliance has now become an urgent necessity. The multiple forms of US pressure on Egypt make it crucial to establish a stronger, more resilient Arab coalition, with Saudi Arabia playing a central role. Trump views Saudi Arabia as a gateway to regional peace and a key economic partner, not only for the United States, but also for a major strategic project aimed at linking India to Europe through the Arabian Peninsula, the Mediterranean, and Italy. This highlights the importance of Saudi Arabia's role in Trump's vision. At the same time, Jordan's southern geography is closely tied to Saudi Arabia within this ambitious economic corridor, which strengthens shared economic interests between the two countries. This growing economic partnership could lay the groundwork for deeper political coordination, including a potential Jordanian-Saudi understanding regarding the proposed displacement policy. On the international level, Jordan can work to rally support for its political stance, which enjoys broad consensus among key global actors. However, at this stage, prioritising Arab alliances and maintaining effective communication channels with the US administration is far more critical than merely seeking international backing. Domestically, Jordan's internal front remains the most crucial. The current climate presents an opportunity for the state to reinforce national unity, as growing regional instability has heightened public awareness of external threats. This requires decisive steps to foster genuine political participation and address long-standing grievances of exclusion and marginalization. A shift in political discourse, engagement strategies, and governance methods is necessary to strengthen national cohesion. Uniting Jordanians under an inclusive and representative state framework will be vital in shaping a new phase in the country's history. What remains striking is how Jordan was suddenly thrust into the equation of resolving the Gaza crisis. From the outset of the war, discussions primarily centered around Egypt due to its direct geographical connection to Gaza. However, Trump's unexpected move to involve Jordan has now exposed the country to two major risks: the potential displacement of Gaza's population and, more alarmingly, the forced displacement of West Bank residents. The push to make Jordan part of the US plan for Gaza raises concerns that this could lead to an imposed reality in which Jordan is expected to absorb West Bank residents as well. Categorically rejecting forced displacement must be Jordan's top priority. However, achieving this requires a high level of political agility and the ability to engage in direct negotiations with all relevant stakeholders. This approach would strengthen Jordan's regional role at a time when further Israeli escalation across multiple fronts, including Gaza and the West Bank, seems increasingly likely. Such an escalation could be used by the Israeli government to block political maneuvering and impose new realities on the ground. A military confrontation could shift the issue of displacement from a political debate to an unavoidable reality, forcing all parties to confront its consequences.


Jordan Times
17-02-2025
- Business
- Jordan Times
A new Middle East reality: How Jordan became central player in Gaza's future
With the conclusion of the first meeting between President Donald Trump and His Majesty King Abdullah, Jordan finds itself facing a real political test. The strategy of buying time with an administration that has been in office for only a few weeks may not offer much room for maneuvering, making it increasingly difficult to navigate the direction of US policy. Jordan has sought to carve out a space for itself by engaging with the American president and promoting an alternative that has broader Arab support. However, this approach requires swift action and the presentation of practical alternatives that could gradually shape Trump's perspective. Jordan now needs to build strong alliances to manage the next phase and counter the looming threat of forced displacement of Gaza's population—a proposal that Trump has openly suggested as the only solution. Regionally, Jordan finds itself alongside Egypt as both countries face direct pressure from the US displacement plan. This shared challenge has reinforced their cooperation on various regional issues over the years, yet expanding the Arab alliance has now become an urgent necessity. The multiple forms of US pressure on Egypt make it crucial to establish a stronger, more resilient Arab coalition, with Saudi Arabia playing a central role. Trump views Saudi Arabia as a gateway to regional peace and a key economic partner, not only for the United States, but also for a major strategic project aimed at linking India to Europe through the Arabian Peninsula, the Mediterranean, and Italy. This highlights the importance of Saudi Arabia's role in Trump's vision. At the same time, Jordan's southern geography is closely tied to Saudi Arabia within this ambitious economic corridor, which strengthens shared economic interests between the two countries. This growing economic partnership could lay the groundwork for deeper political coordination, including a potential Jordanian-Saudi understanding regarding the proposed displacement policy. On the international level, Jordan can work to rally support for its political stance, which enjoys broad consensus among key global actors. However, at this stage, prioritising Arab alliances and maintaining effective communication channels with the US administration is far more critical than merely seeking international backing. Domestically, Jordan's internal front remains the most crucial. The current climate presents an opportunity for the state to reinforce national unity, as growing regional instability has heightened public awareness of external threats. This requires decisive steps to foster genuine political participation and address long-standing grievances of exclusion and marginalization. A shift in political discourse, engagement strategies, and governance methods is necessary to strengthen national cohesion. Uniting Jordanians under an inclusive and representative state framework will be vital in shaping a new phase in the country's history. What remains striking is how Jordan was suddenly thrust into the equation of resolving the Gaza crisis. From the outset of the war, discussions primarily centered around Egypt due to its direct geographical connection to Gaza. However, Trump's unexpected move to involve Jordan has now exposed the country to two major risks: the potential displacement of Gaza's population and, more alarmingly, the forced displacement of West Bank residents. The push to make Jordan part of the US plan for Gaza raises concerns that this could lead to an imposed reality in which Jordan is expected to absorb West Bank residents as well. Categorically rejecting forced displacement must be Jordan's top priority. However, achieving this requires a high level of political agility and the ability to engage in direct negotiations with all relevant stakeholders. This approach would strengthen Jordan's regional role at a time when further Israeli escalation across multiple fronts, including Gaza and the West Bank, seems increasingly likely. Such an escalation could be used by the Israeli government to block political maneuvering and impose new realities on the ground. A military confrontation could shift the issue of displacement from a political debate to an unavoidable reality, forcing all parties to confront its consequences.

Ammon
16-02-2025
- Business
- Ammon
Jordan, Saudi Arabia discuss Audit cooperation
Ammon News - Senate President Faisal Fayez met Sunday with Saudi Arabia's General Court of Audit (GCA) President Hussam Alangari, in the presence of Audit Bureau (AB) President Radi Hamadin, to discuss enhancing cooperation in financial oversight. Fayez highlighted the strong Jordanian-Saudi ties and praised Saudi Arabia's support for Jordan and Arab causes, particularly the Palestinian issue and opposition to the displacement of Palestinians in Gaza. He underscored the vital role of audit institutions in safeguarding public funds and called for increased collaboration between Jordan and Saudi Arabia through expertise exchange and adherence to international best practices. Alangari reaffirmed Saudi Arabia's commitment to strengthening cooperation with Jordan's Audit Bureau, emphasizing the importance of preventive measures in financial oversight and performance monitoring of government entities. He noted that the two institutions share a mutual agreement to implement a memorandum of understanding aimed at exchanging expertise.


Jordan Times
15-02-2025
- Business
- Jordan Times
Int@j, Saudi DEC sign cooperation agreement to enhance digital shift
A total of 55 Jordanian companies, over 100 government agencies and Saudi firms take part in the communication event held by Int@j and Saudi DEC )Petra photo (Petra photo) AMMAN — Information and Communication Technology Association of Jordan (Int@j), in partnership with the Saudi Digital Economy Centre (DEC), on Saturday organised a communication event that brought together senior leaders in Jordanian and Saudi companies, on the sidelines of the LEAP 2025 conference held in Saudi Arabia. A total of 55 Jordanian companies and over 100 government agencies and Saudi firms took part in the event, alongside more than 200 participants from the two countries' decision-makers, according to an Int@j statement the event, Int@j signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Saudi DEC, in a "strategic" step aimed at exchanging expertise and enhancing cooperation in developing digital transformation systems and technological innovation, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Haitham Abu Foul said the event represents a "true" opportunity to enhance cooperation and open new horizons for "strategic" partnerships between Jordanian companies and institutions and Saudi Arabia in the ICT sector, which reflects a "shared" vision to achieve "sustainable" economic growth and digital Chairman Hani Ghufeili stressed the importance of enhancing Jordanian-Saudi cooperation in the digital transformation Chairman Amjad Suweis said that this event reflects the mutual commitment to enhancing technological cooperation, and provides an "ideal" opportunity to build "strategic" partnerships between Jordanian and Saudi CEO Nidal Bitar said that Jordan occupies a "leading" position in the technology sector at the regional level, as it incubates over 2,250 technology companies and 450 startups, adding that the ICT sector contributes more than 4 per cent of Jordan's added that Jordanian companies have "extensive" expertise in the fields of outsourcing, artificial intelligence, cyber security, financial technology and software development, making them an "ideal" partner to support digital transformation in Saudi Arabia, especially amid Saudi ambitious plans to enhancing the digital economy. Bitar also highlighted the current investment opportunities in the Jordanian and Saudi markets, which provide tax incentives and free trade agreements, as well as the increasing government investments in the technology sector.