Ammon News - Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Zeina Touqan on Thursday signed a grant agreement worth 31 million euros from the Dutch government to contribute to financing the Aqaba-Amman National Water Carrier Project.

The grant was signed by the Dutch Ambassador to Jordan, Harry Verwey, on behalf of the CEO of the state-owned development financier, Invest International, the Dutch company, the signing ceremony was also attended by the Minister of Water and Irrigation, Raed Abu Al-Saud, and the representative of the European Investment Bank in Jordan, Suad Farsi, as the bank will manage this grant.

"Providing additional non-groundwater sources through desalination is important for Jordan’s water security," said Harry Verweij, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Jordan.

"This significant contribution from the Netherlands underscores our shared commitment to ensuring access to safe and sustainable water resources, as the Water Sector Fund plays a vital role in mobilizing financing for essential projects, and these new funds will allow us to further increase our impact in Jordan," EIB Vice President Gelsomina Vigliotti noted.

Director of Public Infrastructure at Invest International, Petra Vernoy, added: "We are proud of our partnership with the European Investment Bank in supporting the Aqaba-Amman Water Desalination and Conveyance Project through the Water Sector Fund."

Minister of Water and Irrigation, Raed Abu Al-Saud, confirmed that the project is proceeding according to the plans set out in the government's commitment to implementing the royal directives, the economic modernization vision, and the strategic plan for the water sector.

He indicated that the project will provide sustainable solutions to address part of the water shortage, as it is one of the largest desalination and infrastructure projects, as it will help limit the deterioration of groundwater and surface water in Jordan by naturally recharging them and increasing water supplies.

Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Zeina Touqan praised the Dutch government and Invest International's support for the National Water Carrier Project.