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”
Joint Forces Coalition says Yemen’s Aidarous Al-Zubaidi escaped to Abu Dhabi
- Joint Coalition tracked Al-Zubaidi's escape route via Somalia
DUBAI: Military Spokesperson Turki Al-Malki said in an official statement on Thursday that STC leader Aidarous Al-Zubaidi fled to Abu Dhabi via a plane from Mogadishu, Somalia.
The statement said that Al-Zubaidi fled on Tuesday night and headed to Somaliland by a vessel named BAMEDHAF that departed from the Port of Aden.
The vessel turned off its identification systems while headed to the Port of Berbera in Somaliland the statement added.
Al-Malki said Al-Zubaidi was in contact with UAE Major General Awad Al Ahbabi, Commander of the Joint Operations in the UAE Armed Forces and informed him of their arrival.
According to the statement, Al-Zubaidi then departed on a flight accompanied by UAE officers headed to Mogadishu airport.
After landing in Mogadhishu airport, the plane then headed to the Arabian gulf without setting an arrival location and plane identification systems were turned off over the Gulf of Oman.
Ten minutes prior to arrival in Al Reef military airport in Abu Dhabi, the plane turned on its identification systems again.
The initial ship which departed from Yemen to Somaliland, BAMEDHAF, was sailing under the flag of Saint Kitts and Nevis, the same flag which was used aboard the GREENLAND vessel that had previously transported combat vehicles and weapons from Fujairah to the port of Mukalla, said the spokesperson.
Al-Malki said Coalition Forces are closely following the information of other people who were indicated to be the last to meet Al-Zubaidi before he fled Aden.
