Ammon News - Jordanian–Australian relations represent an advanced model of international relations founded on mutual respect, political understanding, and the convergence of shared interests. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the Commonwealth of Australia in 1975, the two friendly countries have been keen to build a solid partnership encompassing political, economic, cultural, and humanitarian fields, grounded in a long history of positive engagement and constructive cooperation.

In this context, Her Excellency the Australian Ambassador, Paula Ganly, received Ambassador Dr. Muwaffaq Ajlouni , Director General of Farah International Center for Strategic Studies and Researches .She has just arrived in the Kingdom and presented her credentials to His Majesty King Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein . The meeting reflected the highest standards of warm reception and hospitality, and embodied the depth of friendship and mutual understanding that characterize Jordanian–Australian relations. It also provided an opportunity to reaffirm the shared commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, building on their historical legacy, and exploring broader horizons of cooperation in the coming phase.

The roots of Jordanian–Australian relations go back to key milestones that helped consolidate and strengthen them. Diplomatic relations between the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the Commonwealth of Australia were established in 1975. The Jordanian Embassy in Canberra was opened during the visit of His late Majesty King Hussein, may he rest in peace, in 1976, while the Australian Embassy in Amman was established in 1979. Political and economic relations expanded through high-level visits, including those by ministers and parliamentary delegations. In November 2016, Their Majesties King Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein and Queen Rania Al Abdullah paid a state visit to Australia, which included the capital Canberra and the city of Sydney.

At the same time, there were several high-level visits by Australians to Jordan, including that of Governor-General Bill Hayden in 1989. This visit marked a highly significant historical milestone, as his tour included the city of Aqaba and the ancient city of Petra, where he witnessed the Kingdom’s unique cultural and tourism heritage. The Australian guest was also received by His late Majesty King Hussein bin Talal , in a meeting that reflected the depth of bilateral relations and the warmth of Jordanian hospitality, and contributed to conveying a positive and distinguished image of Jordan to Australian society.

Also , the visits of Governor-General General Sir Peter Cosgrove in October 2017, as well as the visit of former Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke to Jordan in 1988, which at the time constituted an advanced stage in the course of political dialogue, opened new horizons for bilateral cooperation, and enhanced Jordan’s standing as a trusted partner for Australia in the Middle East.

During the meeting between Ambassador Ganly and Ambassador Ajlouni , the course of Jordanian–Australian relations from their inception to the present day was reviewed, along with the notable development they have witnessed in political coordination and the exchange of views on regional and international issues, particularly efforts to achieve peace, combat extremism, and promote the values of dialogue and tolerance—core pillars of relations between the two countries.

Ambassador Ganly also praised the vital role played by the Jordanian community in Australia, considering it an effective human and cultural bridge that contributes to strengthening ties between the two peoples, conveying a positive image of Jordan, and supporting paths of economic, cultural, and academic cooperation between the two countries.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to highlight the distinguished diplomatic career of Ambassador Dr. Muwaffaq Ajlouni , whose service in the diplomatic corps dates back to the early 1980s. He served at the Jordanian Embassy in Canberra from 1983 to 1988 at the beginning of his career as Deputy Ambassador and Consul, contributing to the strengthening of bilateral relations and the expansion of communication channels with Australian institutions and figures. That period laid the foundation for strong professional and personal relationships with a number of Australian ambassadors and diplomats who later served in Jordan, in addition to his cordial relations with members of the Australian Embassy in Amman.

Ambassador Dr. Muwaffaq Ajlouni expressed his appreciation to Her Excellency Ambassador Paula Ganly for the warm reception and generous hospitality, commending the ideas, visions, and aspirations she presented to enhance Jordanian–Australian relations and advance them toward broader horizons of cooperation and partnership across various fields.

For her part, Ambassador Paula Ganly expressed her pleasure at representing Australia to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, affirming her commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, particularly in light of her extensive diplomatic experience and distinguished career in international service. She also thanked Ambassador Ajlouni for the visit, his ongoing communication with the Australian Embassy in Amman, his excellent relations with former Australian ambassadors and embassy staff, and his continued dedication to elevating Jordanian–Australian relations to new levels of progress and success.

In conclusion, Ambassador Ganly emphasized that Jordanian–Australian relations, with their rich history and bright milestones, now stand before new opportunities to enhance political, economic, and cultural cooperation, and to build upon the shared legacy in a manner that serves the interests of both friendly countries and promotes the values of peace and mutual understanding.