BRUSSELS: The European Union on Wednesday promised 3 billion euros ($3.1 billion) of financing and investments for Jordan as part of a new “strategic” partnership with the key Middle East ally.
“With the current geopolitical shifts and growing crises in the region, strengthening the EU-Jordan partnership is the right decision at the right time,” European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen said.
Jordan’s King Abdullah II was in Brussels to oversee the signing of the agreement that runs from 2025 through 2027.
His country, which hosts millions of refugees from around neighboring countries, has long been seen by Europe as a vital bulwark of stability in a region wracked by conflict.
That status has become even more important in the face of the war in Gaza and as Syria undergoes an uncertain transition after the ouster of Bashar Assad.
“Jordan is playing a critical role to consolidate the ceasefire in Gaza and the EU acknowledges the importance of Jordan as a regional hub for humanitarian assistance,” von der Leyen said.
“Jordan’s leadership in supporting Syria’s transition highlights its pivotal role in shaping the region’s future.”
Brussels said the package for Jordan would be made up of 640 million euros of grants, one billion euros of grants and 1.4 billion euros of investments.
“The EU is showing its commitment to support Jordan in navigating the current geopolitical challenges, pursuing reforms that drive growth and societal progress,” said von der Leyen.
The EU is desperate for stability in the Middle East and the Mediterranean region as it hopes to avoid major flows of migrants to Europe.
Jordan’s economy has been buffeted by the conflicts across the Middle East, with the IMF saying the crises have dampened growth.
EU pledges 3 billion euros for Jordan in new ‘strategic’ partnership
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EU pledges 3 billion euros for Jordan in new ‘strategic’ partnership
- “With the current geopolitical shifts and growing crises in the region, strengthening the EU-Jordan partnership is the right decision at the right time,” von der Leyen said
- “The EU is showing its commitment to support Jordan in navigating the current geopolitical challenges”
Iran, UK foreign ministers in rare direct contact
- A UK government source said Cooper “emphasized the need for a diplomatic solution on Iran’s nuclear program and raised a number of other issues”
TEHRAN: Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has spoken by phone with his British counterpart Yvette Cooper, an Iranian foreign ministry statement said on Saturday, in a rare case of direct contact between the two countries.
The ministry said that in Friday’s call the ministers “stressed the need to continue consultations at various levels to strengthen mutual understanding and pursue issues of mutual interest.”
A UK government source said Cooper “emphasized the need for a diplomatic solution on Iran’s nuclear program and raised a number of other issues.”
The source in London said Cooper raised the case of Lindsay and Craig Foreman, a British couple detained in Iran for nearly a year on suspicion of espionage.
The Iranian ministry statement did not mention the case of the two Britons.
It said Araghchi criticized “the irresponsible approach of the three European countries toward the Iranian nuclear issue,” referring to Britain, France and Germany.
The three countries at the end of September initiated the
reinstatement of UN sanctions against Iran because of its nuclear program.
The Foremans, both in their early fifties, were seized in January as they passed through Kerman, in central Iran, while on a round-the-world motorbike trip.
Iran accuses the couple of entering the country pretending to be tourists so as to gather information for foreign intelligence services, an allegation the couple’s family rejects.
Before Friday’s call, the last exchange between the two ministers was in October.
