Jordanian-Saudi ministerial meetings cover projects, ties

AMMAN — As part of a working visit to Riyadh, heading a ministerial delegation, Prime Minister Bisher Khasawneh on Monday held talks with Saudi officials to discuss bolstering cooperation, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

Representing the Jordanian side, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs and Minister of State for Public Sector Modernisation Nasser Shraideh, Water Minister Mohammad Al Najjar, Energy Minister Saleh Kharabsheh, Finance Minister Mohamad Al-Ississ, Labour and Industry, Trade and Supply Minister Yousef Shamali attended the meeting.

The Saudi side included energy minister Prince Abdulaziz Bin Salman, Transport Minister Saleh Jasser, Commerce Minister Majid Bin Abdullah Al Qasabi, and Finance Minister Mohammed Bin Abdullah Al Jadaan.

During the meetings, attendees highlighted the “solidity” of Jordanian-Saudi relations, voicing keenness to cement those ties under the direct and continuous guidance of His Majesty King Abdullah and his brother, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia and follow-up of HRH Crown Prince Hussein and Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

The meetings discussed a number of proposed projects that would consolidate bilateral cooperation in the economic, investment, trade, energy, water and transportation fields.

The two sides agreed to hold meetings of the Jordanian-Saudi Joint Committee during the first quarter of 2023, to conclude a number of decisions and agreements related to continuing communication, coordination and follow-up of all common issues and files.

Shraideh said that the challenges that the world faced during the past years due to the spread of the coronavirus pandemic and the repercussions of the Russian-Ukrainian crisis require strengthening cooperation and integration between countries in various fields, extending appreciation to Saudi Arabia’s support to Jordan.

Jordan was able to maintain its financial and monetary stability despite all challenges, as evidenced by the passing of the fifth review of the International Monetary Fund, maintaining low rates of inflation compared to countries in the region and the world, and obtaining high credit rating on global financial indicators.

Shraideh briefed the attendees on the most prominent features of Jordan’s Economic Modernisation Vision, which addresses economic challenges, enhances the investment environment in the Kingdom and bolsters various sectors. 

Jasser said that Jordan is mostly distinguished by its human capital, describing it as “the important resource nations rely on to build their civilisations”.

He also underlined the importance of holding meetings of the Jordanian-Saudi Joint Committee, highlighting its role in advancing bilateral cooperation, especially in increasing opportunities for commercial and technical exchange, promoting investment, examining joint strategic projects and overcoming any potential obstacles. 

The Jordanian ministerial delegation expressed appreciation of Saudi Arabia’s standing by Jordan under various circumstances, extending thanks to Saudi contributions that bolster the Jordanian economy and establish development and investment projects.

The Saudi delegation affirmed keenness to strengthen strategic relations with Jordan in various fields, in support of its reform and development journey. 

Displaying great interest in the proposals and projects presented by the Jordanian delegation, the Saudi delegation also stressed the importance of working hand in hand in service of common interests. 

The two sides agreed to expedite the study of proposed memoranda of understanding in preparation for their signing during the coming meetings of the Jordanian-Saudi Joint Committee, which will be held in Riyadh.

Jordanian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ali Al Kayed, Saudi Ambassador to Jordan Nayef Bin Bandar Al Sudairi, and a number of representatives of concerned ministries attended the meetings. 

The volume of Jordanian-Saudi trade reached nearly JD3 billion in 2021, increasing by 35 per cent in the first three quarters of 2022 compared with the same period in 2021.

Saudi investments in the Kingdom are considered among the highest, with an estimated value of $12 billion.