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Ammon News - Government of Canada officials, represented by Her Excellency Donica Pottie, joined by Jordanian Armed Forces (JAF) official His Excellency Brigadier-General Ibraheem Al Na’emat, and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) official Brigadier-General Michael Wright, Commander Joint Task Force IMPACT - Task Force Central (JTF-I/TF-C), convened for the closing ceremony of International Organization for Migration’s (IOM) Border Tower Refurbishment. The event inaugurated the eleven newly renovated border towers along the Syrian frontier. The project responds to a priority request from senior leadership at the JAF, who views the towers as a means of ensuring Jordan’s security. The refurbishment project signals Canada’s continued commitment to Jordan and its enduring stability in the region.

The $9 million venture fortified and rehabilitated eleven towers strategically located along the previously renovated border road with Syria. The year-long construction also improved the living conditions of the strategically located towers, which are situated in an isolated and desolate environment. Enhancing the facilities at these towers directly impacts the JAF’s operational effectiveness; well-rested staff can both rapidly deploy to secure the border and effectively engage with surrounding communities.
This initiative is just one of a broader Canadian Middle East engagement strategy to address the crises caused by Da’esh in the region by supporting humanitarian, development, stabilization and security efforts. On March 30, 2021 the CAF announced the extension Operation IMPACT – Canada’s military contribution to the Global Coalition Against Da’esh – until March 31, 2022. The one-year renewal of Operation IMPACT will continue to build military capabilities in Iraq, Jordan, and Lebanon in order to help set the conditions for security and stability.

During the ceremony, Ambassador Donica Pottie noted, “This project is more than just one of construction; it is about partnership and vision. The fortification and rehabilitation of eleven border towers enhances Jordan’s safety, stability and security along the Syrian frontier. But it also provides an intangible value that can often be overlooked. In the midst of a desolate and sometimes dangerous environment, these towers provide comfort and shelter to the weary. Soldiers on the frontlines serving and protecting Jordan will have access to simple but essential amenities from home.”

CAF official, Brigadier-General Michael Wright, Commander JTF-I/TF-C stated, “I am proud of what the Canadian Training Assistance Team – Jordan, in partnership with Global Affairs Canada, has accomplished with the border tower upgrades for the Jordanian Armed Forces. In addition to the enhancements in force protection and in living conditions for the soldiers, this project has further strengthened the relationship that the Canadian Armed Forces has built with their Jordanian counterparts, an excellent example of Canada’s ongoing commitment to the region.”

H.E. the Chairman Assistant for Planning, Organization, and Defence Resources, Brigadier-General Ibraheem Al Na’emat stated, ““Despite the geographical distance, Canada and Jordan have and share an interest in raising the level of political, social, economic and military relations to meet shared expectations, which are based on mutual interests and values as well as common threats and challenges.”

Chief of Mission of IOM Jordan Mrs. Tajma Kurt said, “Improving the working and living conditions of the border guards at 11 border sites along the Jordanian-Syrian border line will contribute to better protection, stability and security of the borders and Jordan as whole. We are glad that this project has been successfully completed despite the COVID-19 pandemic and we are grateful for the extraordinary cooperation and partnership with the JAF and Canadian Embassy in Jordan.”