Latest news with #SophieConstantin
Jordan Times
02-03-2025
- Business
- Jordan Times
Jordan's olive oil production surges by 43.2% in 2024/2025 season
The total quantity of olives received by presses across all governorates for oil extraction reaches 184,903 tonnes in the 2024/2025 season (Photo by Sophie Constantin) AMMAN — Olive oil production during the 2024/2025 season increased by 43.2 per cent, reaching 35,828 tonnes, compared to 25,028 tonnes in the 2023/2024 season. According to the annual survey of olive oil production in the Kingdom for the 2024/2025 season, released on Sunday by the Department of Statistics (DoS), the oil production rose from 18 per cent in the 2023/2024 season to 19.4 per cent in the 2024/2025 season. The total quantity of olives received by presses across all governorates for oil extraction reached 184,903 tonnes in the 2024/2025 season, compared to 138,898 tonnes in the 2023/2024 season, marking an increase of 33.1 per cent, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. Based on the price survey conducted by the DoS, the estimated value of olive oil produced in 2024 is JD223.9 million, according to the average price in the fourth quarter of 2024. At the governorate level, the results showed that Irbid ranked first in terms of the quantity of pressed olives and olive oil produced, with 89,200 tonnes of olives pressed and 17,600tonnes of olive oil produced in 2024. Aqaba recorded the lowest quantities, with 1,300 tonnes of olives pressed and only 0.3 tonnes of olive oil produced. The total number of olive presses in Jordan reached 148 in 2024, with 146 actively operating. The olive press survey forms are collected through a comprehensive survey conducted in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture.
Jordan Times
02-03-2025
- Politics
- Jordan Times
Ordination of Jordanian Auxiliary Bishop marks 'historic' moment
The ordination of Bishop Twal comes at a crucial time for the region (Photo by Sophie Constantin) AMMAN — Iyad Twal on Friday was ordained as auxiliary bishop of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem at the Church of the Baptism of Christ, marking a historic moment for Jordan and the broader Christian community in the region. His ordination not only made him the first Patriarchal Vicar of Jordan to be ordained on Jordanian soil, but it also signified a moment of deep spiritual reverence during a time of turmoil in the Middle East, particularly with the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the rising violence against Christian communities in the West Bank. The Episcopal ceremony unfolded with profound solemnity and devotion. As Twal approached the altar, the atmosphere in the church was thick with reverence. In a quiet but powerful act of humility, he prostrated himself before the Lord, symbolising his total submission to his divine calling. This gesture, rich in meaning, set the tone for the rest of the ceremony, which was marked by spiritual intensity and communal worship. The stillness in the air was punctuated by the heavenly sounds of the choir, whose voices filled the sacred space with the Hymn of All Saints, creating an atmosphere of divine awe. During the prayer of consecration, each word was laden with significance, underscoring Twal'sunwavering commitment to his Episcopal role. Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, representing Pope Francis, placed the Holy Bible upon Twal'shead, an act that symbolised the gravity of the office he was about to assume. In a moment of silent consecration, Twal's head was anointed with Holy Chrism, the sacred oil signifying the bishop's role as a spiritual leader and servant of the Church. The ordination of Bishop Twal comes at a crucial time for the region. Appointed by Pope Francis on December 17, Twal assumes this pivotal role amidst the ongoing genocide in Gaza and the growing settler violence in the West Bank, which also affects the Christian community. Twal's ordination in Jordan is a significant event, as he becomes the first Jordanian to hold this position since the 1980s, a role that had been vacant for two years following the death of Bishop Robert Patrick Maginnis. Twal, who was born in Amman, has had a long and distinguished career within the Church. After completing his studies in theology and philosophy at the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome, he was ordained to the priesthood in 1998. He spent many years serving Catholic communities in the West Bank and later took on various educational roles at Bethlehem University. His deep connection to both Jordan and Palestine has provided him with a broad perspective on the challenges facing the Christian community in the region. As the new auxiliary bishop, Twal's role will be critical in supporting the pastoral and administrative management of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, which covers Israel, Jordan, the occupied Palestinian territories, and Cyprus. His responsibilities will include ensuring that pastoral care is distributed across the diocese and assisting the Patriarch in the day-to-day governance of the Church.
Jordan Times
15-02-2025
- Business
- Jordan Times
Tourism Ministry to compensate for cancelling low-cost flights to Jordan
The decision targets low-cost, charter and scheduled airlines, including Royal Jordanian Airlines, to expand their routes in existing and new tourist markets (Photo by Sophie Constantin) AMMAN — The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities on Saturday announced plans to compensate for the cancellation and reduction of low-cost flights to Jordan by offering financial incentives to airlines. The decision targets low-cost, charter and scheduled airlines, including Royal Jordanian Airlines, to expand their routes in existing and new tourist markets. In its recently published annual report, the ministry attributed the decline in air travel between Jordan and key tourism markets to the Israeli war on Gaza in October 2023, which led to the cancellation or reduction of operational routes by low-cost airlines. According to the report, low-cost carriers operated 2,925 flights to Jordan in 2023, carrying 445,856 visitors. In contrast, only 1,308 flights were operated in 2024, carrying 182,254 visitors, marking a "sharp" decline of 263,602 visitors or 59 per cent compared to the previous year. The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to fulfilling its obligations under the Economic Modernisation Vision by advancing the government's tourism priorities. Minister of Tourism Lina Annab, during a recent meeting with the Lower House Tourism Committee, had revealed that tourism revenues and visitor numbers in 2024 were lower than the previous year. "Tourism numbers in 2023 were the highest in Jordan's history," Annab said. She noted that tourism revenues in 2024 decreased by 2.3 per cent compared to 2023, amounting to JD5.132 billion, while the number of visitors decreased by 3.9 per cent, reaching 6.108 million in 2024, showing a decline of 3.9 per cent, in comparison with 2023. In 2023, Jordan's tourism sector achieved "record success," attracting 6.353 million visitors and generating revenues of JD5.25 billion.
Jordan Times
15-02-2025
- Business
- Jordan Times
ASEAN Colloquium explores regional cooperation, future priorities
ASEAN's core objectives are to foster economic growth, social progress, and cultural development (Photo by Sophie Constantin) AMMAN — A colloquium titled 'The ASEAN Journey: Background, Reflections, and Priorities' took place on Wednesday at the Arab Thought Forum, jointly organised by the ASEAN Committee in Amman and the Arab Thought Forum. The event aimed to promote ASEAN's role and efforts in maintaining peace, stability, and prosperity in the Southeast Asia Region, while also provided insights into the key priorities and deliverables of Malaysia's Chairmanship. The speakers included Ade Padmo Sarwono, Ambassador of Indonesia and Mohamad Nasri Bin Abdul Rahman, Ambassador of Malaysia. Additional contributions came from Supark Prongthura, Ambassador of Thailand, Wilfredo C. Santos, Ambassador of the Philippines and Nurunnajibah Adanaan, Charge d'Affaires of Brunei Darussalam. Founded in 1967 by Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia and Singapore, ASEAN has since expanded to include Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia. Its core objectives are to foster economic growth, social progress, and cultural development through enhanced trade and investment among member states, strengthen regional peace and stability by promoting unity and ASEAN centrality, encourage regional collaboration and mutual assistance by fostering a culture of sustainability in all dimensions, support the study of Southeast Asia, and enhance cooperation with other regional and international organisations. Under Malaysia's chairmanship in 2025, the theme 'Inclusivity and Sustainability' was officially unveiled by the Malaysia prime minister during the closing ceremony of the 44th and 45th ASEAN summits in October 2024 in Vientiane, Laos. Malaysia's leadership aims to empower society through social and economic justice while ensuring long-term sustainability and well-being. ASEAN faces challenges including geostrategic shifts, conflicts in Myanmar and the South China Sea, climate change, development gaps, and other emerging global trends. Moving forward, ASEAN seeks to recalibrate its priorities to remain resilient, dynamic, and responsive, ensuring that the people remain at the centre of the regional integration process. ASEAN has also expressed "grave concern" over the war in Gaza and the Middle East, condemning attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure. The organisation welcomed the ceasefire agreement in Gaza and urged its immediate and comprehensive implementation. ASEAN called for the unconditional release of all hostages, especially ASEAN nationals, and urged all parties to work towards a peaceful resolution in pursuit of a two-state solution. ASEAN also emphasised the need to intensify humanitarian assistance, including restoring UNRWA's role in supporting those in need. As Malaysia leads ASEAN in 2025, its priorities "must be transformative and impactful," ensuring that inclusivity, innovation, and sustainability remain central to the ASEAN Community agenda. A whole-of-government approach is needed to coordinate national efforts across ASEAN's three pillars of cooperation. Collaboration efforts with ASEAN partners should be explored and identified in advance to strengthen the organisation's global engagement and regional leadership.
Jordan Times
07-02-2025
- Politics
- Jordan Times
Protest in Amman against Trump's statements to displace Palestinians
Jordanians protest in Downtown Amman. (Picture by Sophie Constantin) AMMAN – Hundreds of Jordanians gathered in Downtown Amman on Friday, rallying under the slogan 'We in Jordan are all against displacement' in response to US President Donald Trump's controversial proposal to resettle Palestinians from Gaza. Participants, many wearing the Jordanian red 'Kuffiyeh' and waving the Jordanian flag, voiced their opposition with chants such as 'No to the displacement of Palestinians,' 'No to the substitute homeland,' and 'Gaza belongs to Palestinians.' The protest follows Trump's recent remarks on his vision for Gaza, where he proposed that the United States take control of the enclave, a suggestion that has sparked outrage globally. On Thursday, Trump reaffirmed that the Gaza Strip would be transferred to US control at the conclusion of ongoing fighting, with no American military presence on the ground. He framed the move as a humanitarian effort, suggesting that Palestinians would be resettled in new, safer, and more modern communities. While his statement claimed the United States would aid in the redevelopment of Gaza, it left unclear whether the two million Palestinians currently living in the area would be allowed to return. Trump's idea has drawn fierce criticism from a broad coalition of human rights organisations, Arab leaders, and the United Nations, all of whom have condemned it as an attempt at ethnic cleansing. Critics argue that the forced relocation of Palestinians from Gaza violates international law, particularly the prohibition against transferring populations from occupied territories. Despite the backlash, analysts remain sceptical that the plan will come to fruition, given the deep political, legal, and humanitarian challenges it would face. In Amman, the protest marked a powerful statement of solidarity with the Palestinian cause, with Jordanians voicing their firm rejection of any effort to displace Palestinians from their homeland.
