Royal Decree approves new Cabinet headed by Khasawneh

AMMAN — A Royal Decree was issued on Monday, approving the formation of a new Cabinet, headed by Bisher Al Khasawneh.

The Royal Decree approved the appointment of Khasawneh as Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, according to a Royal Court statement.

The new Cabinet members were sworn in before His Majesty King Abdullah at Al Husseiniya Palace.

HRH Crown Prince Hussein and Royal Hashemite Court Chief Yousef Issawi attended the swearing-in.

Mahmoud Kharabsheh will be sworn in before His Majesty King Abdullah as Minister of State after the conclusion of a quarantine period, having tested positive for COVID-19, while Nawaf Wasfi Tall will be sworn in before His Majesty as Minister of State for Follow-up and Government Coordination after concluding the quarantine measures required for travellers returning to Jordan, the statement said. 

In his reply to the Letter of Designation, Prime Minister Khasawneh expressed appreciation of His Majesty’s trust.

He said the government will employ a transparent, science-based approach to deal with the health sector, especially countering COVID-19, the statement said.

The prime minister said the government will work to enhance healthcare services and capacities, while also balancing economic, social, and educational needs.

Khasawneh expressed the government’s commitment to bolster its relationship with Parliament, and to work in partnership with the private sector to stimulate economic growth and promote investment.

The prime minister stressed the importance of enhancing economic resilience and combating poverty and unemployment, noting commitment to economic reform to increase Jordan’s competitiveness, according to the statement.

Voicing commitment to combating financial and administrative corruption, Khasawneh said the government will also continue efforts to develop the social safety net and will plan a realistic budget that takes into account reducing the public debt.

The prime minister said efforts will be directed towards combating tax and customs evasion, adding that the government will provide all the support needed by the Independent Election Commission.

A scientific study will be conducted to look into merging ministries and agencies to streamline the public sector, enhance services, and control expenditures, Khasawneh said in the letter, the statement said. 

Noting His Majesty’s attention to food security, the prime minister stressed the government’s commitment to bolstering the agricultural sector.

The government will also work to mitigate the pandemic’s impact on the tourism sector, continue the restructuring of the energy sector, and upgrade the public transport system, Khasawneh said.

He added that the government will pay special attention to youth, Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army and security agencies personnel, and retired servicemen.

Reaffirming commitment to the Palestinian cause and the Hashemite Custodianship of Jerusalem’s Islamic and Christian holy sites, the prime minister said the government will continue to focus on joint Arab action.

Khasawneh added that the government will submit a detailed action programme, with clear timeframes, within 100 days to the King on planned economic, social, financial, political, and reform-related measures.

Also on Monday, His Majesty, accompanied by Crown Prince Hussein, met with former prime minister Omar Razzaz and members of his outgoing Cabinet, thanking them for their efforts while in office, according to the statement.

Click to see Profiles of new ministers

Cabinet list

Following is the full list of Prime Minister Bisher Al Khasawneh’s Cabinet members:

• Bisher Al Khasawneh: Prime Minister and Minister of Defence 
• Tawfiq Kreishan: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Local Administration
• Ayman Safadi: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates
• Umayya Toukan: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Economic Affairs
• Mohammad Daoudiyeh: Minister of Agriculture
• Tayseer Nueimi: Minister of Education
• Musa Maaytah: Minister of Political and Parliamentary Affairs
• Ali Al Ayed: Minister of State for Media Affairs
• Nasser Shraideh: Minister of Planning and International Cooperation
• Yahya Kisbi: Minister of Public Works and Housing
• Nayef Al Fayez: Minister of Tourism and Antiquities
• Ibrahim Jazi: Minister of State for Prime Ministry Affairs
• Ahmad Ziadat: Minister of State for Legal Affairs
• Bassam Talhouni: Minister of Justice
• Maha Al Ali: Minister of Industry, Trade, and Supply
• Hala Zawati: Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources
• Mohamad Al-Ississ: Minister of Finance
• Mohammad Khalaileh: Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs
• Basim Tweissi: Minister of Culture
• Nabil Masarweh: Minister of Environment
• Ayman Mufleh: Minister of Social Development
• Mohammad Khair Abu Qudais: Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research
• Mahmoud Kharabsheh: Minister of State
• Nawaf Wasfi Tall: Minister of State for Follow-up and Government Coordination
• Tawfiq Halalmeh: Minister of Interior
• Nathir Obeidat: Minister of Health
• Marwan Khitan: Minister of Transport
• Motasem Saidan: Minister of Water and Irrigation
• Mohammad Salameh Al Nabulsi: Minister of Youth
• Rab’ah Ajarmeh: Minister of State for Institutional Performance Development
• Maen Qatamin: Minister of Labour and Minister of State for Investment Affairs
• Ahmad Hanandeh: Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship