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Ammon News - AMMONNEWS - The Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Jordan and Expertise France have announced the launch of a new project entitled "Reinforcing Jordan’s Capabilities at the Eastern Borders".

The ceremony, held on 18 July at the King Hussein Business Park in Amman, was attended by Representative of National Authorities, H.E Andrea Matteo Fontana, Ambassador of the European Union to Jordan, and H.E David Bertolotti, Ambassador of France to Jordan.

This project, funded by the EU for a total amount of 6 million euros, aims at improving the coordination and sustainability of civil-military operations in the Eastern part of Jordan, with the provision of a multi-agency logistical hub in Ruwaishid (Mafraq Governorate) and capacity building activities.

This hub will be a forward base providing critical logistical support to the Jordan Armed Forces, as well as the Jordanian law enforcement and security agencies present in the Eastern part of the country. Its strategic location, in the city of Ruwaishid, will enhance the national authorities’ capability to respond to any threats at the Northern and Eastern borders likely to hamper Jordan’s security (terrorist infiltration, weapon and drug smuggling). It will also contribute to the sustainable resumption of normal cross-border traffic with Iraq and to improve the humanitarian and civil protection response.

H.E Ambassador Fontana said: "This hub will complement the ongoing EU projects to reinforce the Karameh border-crossing point and to establish an effective and integrated border management in Jordan for the safe passage of goods and people".

French Ambassador David Bertolotti added: "This logistical hub will be an important support base, which will enhance the ability of the Jordanian authorities to quickly react to any humanitarian crisis or security threat at the Eastern borders".

JAF Assistant Chief of Staff for Planning, Organization and Defense Resources on behalf of JAF’s CHOD said: "This project is a step on the right direction and it will help to achieve the balance between security and humanitarian assistance and will allow JAF to respond to humanitarian and security challenges at the North Eastern border with Syria in a timely manner. It will also support National Security agencies to overcome some of the challenges at the Borders."

The project will be implemented by Expertise France, which is the French public agency for international technical assistance. Expertise France will provide its support to the building of the infrastructure and will provide training activities, working closely with the Jordanian Armed Forces and the relevant Jordanian law enforcement and security agencies.