Turkish development agency to open office in Amman

AMMAN — Jordan and Turkey on Thursday signed a cooperation agreement under which the Turkish International Cooperation and Development Agency (TIKA) will open a representative office within the Turkish embassy premises in Amman.

Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Imad Fakhoury and TIKA Vice President Ali Maskan signed the agreement on behalf of both countries’ governments to benefit from the agency’s experience in several vital sectors it acquired during its work in Central Asia and North Africa, according to a ministry statement.

The office will follow up on the implementation of Turkish technical aid and grant programmes in Jordan’s health, tourism, agricultural, transportation, water and wastewater, sectors included in the technical agreement the two countries signed in February 2014.

The 2014 agreement also includes supporting small- and medium-sized projects, training and scientific research, in addition to humanitarian assistance during emergencies, the statement added.

Fakhoury voiced Jordan’s appreciation of the Turkish initiative, commending the role Ankara plays in supporting developing countries.

He also praised the “distinguished” relations between Jordan and Turkey, referring to the government’s keenness to further enhance ties.

Future cooperation includes Turkey’s support for the implementation of some projects in Jordan, such as establishing a museum for the Jordan Hijaz Railway Corporation, renovation of the corporation’s Amman station buildings and maintenance of train carriages, in addition to cooperation in the educational sector, the minister said.

For his part, Maskan stressed his government’s commitment to providing financial and technical support to projects in Jordan in a way that contributes to boosting bilateral relations, according to the statement.

Turkish Ambassador to Jordan Sedat Onal and Maskan’s accompanying delegation attended the signing ceremony.