2019 brings with it potential for expanded Jordan-Poland ties — ambassador

AMMAN — Polish Ambassador in Amman Andrzej Swiezaczynski recently told The Jordan Times he expects Jordanian-Polish relations in business, tourism, science, security, culture and education to witness growth as several activities will be conducted in 2019 to foster ties.

Jordan and Poland, which enjoy solid and friendly relations, see eye to eye on several issues of mutual concern and Poland highly values Jordan’s strategic role in attaining Mideast peace and providing much-needed services to Syrian refugees, the ambassador said on the occasion of the 228th anniversary of the enactment of the Polish constitution, which the embassy will mark today.

According to Swiezaczynski, a business forum will be held in Jordan focusing on potential cooperation in tourism with the participation of several stakeholders from Poland.

“This forum will be a great opportunity for increased cooperation in the tourism sector, especially since the number of Polish tourists coming to Jordan rose significantly after the start of flights by Ryanair from Poland to the Kingdom,” the ambassador said.

The Polish ambassador said that more than 16,000 Polish tourists have visited Jordan since the start of flights in October 2018.

“Flights are fully booked both ways.”

Trade relations are also witnessing an improvement, the ambassador said, adding that Poland’s annual exports to Jordan stand at about 100 million euros, while imports from Jordan have risen to 4 million euros.

Voicing appreciation for Jordan’s role in hosting Syrian refugees, the Polish ambassador said that his country would continue providing support to Jordan, not only to help refugees but to also help host communities.

He added that Poland had allocated 50 million euros this year to support Jordan’s resilience plan, which would also help support water projects in the Kingdom.

On the Palestinian issue, he reiterated Poland’s support for the two-state solution as the only way to end the conflict.

“Relations between Jordan and Poland are distinguished and I am very much satisfied with the level of ties that can be expanded to cover several arenas,” the ambassador said.