‘EU, Jordan commit to ‘enhanced cooperation’

AMMAN — The EU and Jordanian officials on Thursday took part in the 11th meeting of the subcommittee on human rights, democratisation and governance and the 7th meeting of the subcommittee on justice and security, a joint statement said.

The meetings, which took place six months after the EU-Jordan Association Council, covered the latest regional developments from a political and security perspective. The participants confirmed the need to continue cooperation with the UN, outlining ways to enhance the political relations and partnership on bilateral, regional and multilateral issues.

The parties also addressed the areas of human rights, democracy, the rule of law, the refugee crisis and efforts to fight corruption, acknowledging both positive steps and remaining challenges to be addressed in line with international obligations, the statement said.

The EU said it will continue supporting the implementation by Jordan of its National Human Rights Plan 2016-25, reiterating its keenness to continue backing Jordan's efforts in strengthening women's rights amongst other areas of interest.

The EU emphasised the key contribution that the civil society makes to security, stability and prosperity, and encouraged Jordan to strengthen the environment for civil society organisations as a driver for positive change, according to the statement.

Both parties reviewed the operational conclusions of the counter terrorism workshop of March 2016, agreeing to enhance their security cooperation through a more structured dialogue, in the field of counterterrorism, security, and integrated border management, judicial cooperation as well as civil protection and disaster management. 

They further agreed to discuss efforts in preventing violent extremism in future meetings and the participation of Jordan to the EU Common Security and Defence Policy framework.

The EU representatives commended Jordan's leading role in combating terrorism and praised the Kingdom's efforts in facing the impact of the prolonged Syrian crisis, the statement concluded.