Jordan plays crucial role in Mideast stability, says Norwegian envoy
Norway’s Ambassador to Jordan Tone Allers said on Sunday that Jordan has a crucial role as a provider of stability in the Middle East and that the Kingdom is a valued partner in efforts to solve and prevent conflicts, be it in Syria, Yemen or the Israel-Palestine conflict.
In an interview with the Jordan News Agency (Petra) on her country’s national day, the ambassador stressed that Jordan has been a crucial partner in supporting a two-state solution ever since.
As chair of the Ad hoc Liaison Committee supporting Palestinian State-building, and an important supporter of UNRWA, Norway works closely with Jordan, Allers indicated. She added: 'We also coordinate closely on Syria, where Jordanian perspectives are of great value. Our embassy in Amman is our biggest in the region, illustrating Jordan's role as a regional hub, both in the political, military and humanitarian field.'
Following is the full text of the interview in a Q&A format:
1. How do you view Jordan's foreign policy during the era of His Majesty King Abdullah II and its implications for the relations and partnership between Jordan and Norway?
During his reign, His Majesty King Abdullah has been playing an important role as a bridge builder in foreign policy, and a promoter of tolerance and cooperation on the international stage. Jordan, under His Majesty’s leadership, has set an example by receiving several waves of refugees, most notably after the invasion of Iraq and the Syrian crisis, and by stressing their right to safe and voluntary return. For Norway, His Majesty King Abdullah II has been an central partner in the efforts towards the establishment of a two state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. His Majesty is also a partner in defending the multilateral system at a time where it has come under increasing pressure.
2. How do you view the importance of the visits at the leadership and high level of the two countries to enhance bilateral relations and international cooperation?
What makes Norwegian-Jordanian cooperation so strong is that it takes place on all levels: between the Royal families, on the political level, between institutions and people to people. During my four years in Jordan, our Foreign Minister, Prime Minister and Crown Prince have all visited Jordan. The definite highlight was the visit to Jordan by Their Majesties King Harald and Queen Sonja in March this year, their first official state visit to the region. In addition to strengthening political cooperation and the signing of an agreement on political consultations, the visit included a business delegation of about 30 companies, focusing among other issues on health technology, energy and sustainable tourism. The visit was a joint effort with the Jordanian embassy in Oslo, which opened in 2017.
3. How do you see the historical relations between the two countries and the development they have witnessed?
Norway and Jordan last year celebrated 50 years of diplomatic relations. These have developed over the years, and are now stronger than ever. One of the more recent pillars of cooperation is in the area of defense, where an MoU was signed in 2019 and is now being implemented. It is my hope that in the future, there will be even more trade and investments and more people-to-people cooperation, also in the form of tourism between both countries.
4. What about your support to Jordan on the bilateral level and on the international level?
Norway greatly appreciates the hospitality and humanity that Jordan and its people have shown towards refugees. In our support for the Syrian crisis, we early recognized the role of the neighboring countries. A considerable part of our support goes to host communities, and through Jordanian institutions, with the aim of creating more resilience on all levels. Our main focus is education, where we support the multidonor fund that was established to allow Syrian children into the shool system. Recently, in light of the covid 19-crisis, we have been working with the ILO to support the Social Security Corporation in establishing an emergency unemployment fund. We believe that women’s participation is key to realizing Jordan’s potential, and are supporting a wide range of projects, including the Jordanian Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security and the building, through NATO, of a training center for female officers. Norway also supports a strong civil society in Jordan, for instance in the fields of media freedom and social cohesion.
5. What about coordination and consultation between the two countries on bilateral issues and issues of common interest? Are there identical views in the visions? Do the two countries support each other in international forums??
Norway and Jordan have close cooperation in international forums, and are working closely together at the UN, both on issues related to UN reform, and as co-chairs of the group of friends on prevention of extremism. Norway will enter the Security Council as an elected member from 2021-2022, and is looking forward to close coordination with Jordan during this period.
6. What about economic and trade cooperation, what is the volume of trade exchange between the two countries, the most prominent exports and imports, and the possibility of increasing cooperation in this aspect?
There is a potential for increasing trade and investment between the two countries. Around 30 representatives of the Norwegian energy, health tech, tourism and seafood clusters participated in the recent State visit. We are now trying to use the momentum that was created. Norway is mainly exporting seafood to Jordan, while we are importing clothes and accessories, chemicals and some fruit and vegetables. Norwegian Seafood export to the Middle East is on the rise, and we see Jordan as an interesting market for healthy and sustainable seafood.
7. Are there investments between the two countries and what is the volume of these investments, and in which areas are they concentrated?
Norwegian investments in Jordan are still limited, but a number of companies are engaged in projects here, for example within the solar and energy field. The foundation Sahara Forest Project is running a pilot plant in the desert north of Aqaba, using solar energy to desalinate water to grow vegetables. Norway has supported the project financially since the inception. A number of Norwegian and Norwegian-owned ships come in to Aqaba every year.
8. What about cultural, scientific and tourism cooperation between Jordan and your country?
There is a potential of increasing the number of tourists, and sustainable tourism was a focus area during the state visit. The number of tourists visiting Jordan was on the increase before the pandemic hit. Both Royal Jordanian and Norwegian have direct flights between Amman and Copenhagen. The state visit was also a good occasion to strengthen cultural and scientific cooperation, building on the cooperation that exists, for example within the music, dance and visual arts scene, and encouraging new cooperation, for example between female artists from both countries.
9. The Palestinian issue is the central issue in the region. What is your position on it and the Jordanian role in restoring momentum and focus to this issue?
Cooperation on the Palestinian issues is at the very heart of our relationship. As Chair of the AHLC, Norway remains committed to continuing to work with both parties on the basis of internationally agreed parameters and international law to achieve a negotiated two-state solution. Any peace initiative must take these conditions into account to succeed. Jordan plays a crucial role in promoting a negotiated two-state solution. His Majesty also has an important role as custodian of the Christian and Muslim holy sites in Jerusalem.
10. How do you see the Jordanian humanitarian role in receiving and accommodating refugees and providing them with services in various health, educational and other fields, and the burden that Jordan bears in this aspect and the importance of international support for it?
Jordan has shown great generosity in receiving a large number of refugees. Jordan’s efforts to integrate all children into the formal school system are truly impressive. Norway has kept is commitment in London of providing 10 billion NOK over four years to Syria and its neighboring country. As the crisis becomes protracted, we will continue to support Jordan in hosting the refugees.
11. Is there cooperation between the two countries in combating terrorism... and how do you see Jordan’s role in this field, especially His Majesty King Abdullah II’s initiative represented by the Aqaba meetings and Jordan’s participation in the international coalition against the terrorist ISIS gang.
Norway and Jordan are cooperating closely on combating terrorism, both through the International Coalition against ISIL, through our role as co-chairs of the Group of Friends to prevent Extremism and through the Aqaba process.
12. How do you view Jordan's participation in the international peace-keeping forces and the importance of that in promoting international peace and security?
Norway is supporting the Jordanian National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security. We are also supporting the training of female officers, through NATO.
13. Developments in the situation in the region, especially in the Syrian arena?
As a neighboring country and a host of a large number of refugees, Jordan has an important role. Norway supports the efforts by UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen towards a political settlement. We coordinate closely with Jordan, particularly when it comes to the situation in South Syria and the needs for humanitarian assistance.
(Petra)
Norway’s Ambassador to Jordan Tone Allers said on Sunday that Jordan has a crucial role as a provider of stability in the Middle East and that the Kingdom is a valued partner in efforts to solve and prevent conflicts, be it in Syria, Yemen or the Israel-Palestine conflict.
In an interview with the Jordan News Agency (Petra) on her country’s national day, the ambassador stressed that Jordan has been a crucial partner in supporting a two-state solution ever since.
As chair of the Ad hoc Liaison Committee supporting Palestinian State-building, and an important supporter of UNRWA, Norway works closely with Jordan, Allers indicated. She added: 'We also coordinate closely on Syria, where Jordanian perspectives are of great value. Our embassy in Amman is our biggest in the region, illustrating Jordan's role as a regional hub, both in the political, military and humanitarian field.'
Following is the full text of the interview in a Q&A format:
1. How do you view Jordan's foreign policy during the era of His Majesty King Abdullah II and its implications for the relations and partnership between Jordan and Norway?
During his reign, His Majesty King Abdullah has been playing an important role as a bridge builder in foreign policy, and a promoter of tolerance and cooperation on the international stage. Jordan, under His Majesty’s leadership, has set an example by receiving several waves of refugees, most notably after the invasion of Iraq and the Syrian crisis, and by stressing their right to safe and voluntary return. For Norway, His Majesty King Abdullah II has been an central partner in the efforts towards the establishment of a two state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. His Majesty is also a partner in defending the multilateral system at a time where it has come under increasing pressure.
2. How do you view the importance of the visits at the leadership and high level of the two countries to enhance bilateral relations and international cooperation?
What makes Norwegian-Jordanian cooperation so strong is that it takes place on all levels: between the Royal families, on the political level, between institutions and people to people. During my four years in Jordan, our Foreign Minister, Prime Minister and Crown Prince have all visited Jordan. The definite highlight was the visit to Jordan by Their Majesties King Harald and Queen Sonja in March this year, their first official state visit to the region. In addition to strengthening political cooperation and the signing of an agreement on political consultations, the visit included a business delegation of about 30 companies, focusing among other issues on health technology, energy and sustainable tourism. The visit was a joint effort with the Jordanian embassy in Oslo, which opened in 2017.
3. How do you see the historical relations between the two countries and the development they have witnessed?
Norway and Jordan last year celebrated 50 years of diplomatic relations. These have developed over the years, and are now stronger than ever. One of the more recent pillars of cooperation is in the area of defense, where an MoU was signed in 2019 and is now being implemented. It is my hope that in the future, there will be even more trade and investments and more people-to-people cooperation, also in the form of tourism between both countries.
4. What about your support to Jordan on the bilateral level and on the international level?
Norway greatly appreciates the hospitality and humanity that Jordan and its people have shown towards refugees. In our support for the Syrian crisis, we early recognized the role of the neighboring countries. A considerable part of our support goes to host communities, and through Jordanian institutions, with the aim of creating more resilience on all levels. Our main focus is education, where we support the multidonor fund that was established to allow Syrian children into the shool system. Recently, in light of the covid 19-crisis, we have been working with the ILO to support the Social Security Corporation in establishing an emergency unemployment fund. We believe that women’s participation is key to realizing Jordan’s potential, and are supporting a wide range of projects, including the Jordanian Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security and the building, through NATO, of a training center for female officers. Norway also supports a strong civil society in Jordan, for instance in the fields of media freedom and social cohesion.
5. What about coordination and consultation between the two countries on bilateral issues and issues of common interest? Are there identical views in the visions? Do the two countries support each other in international forums??
Norway and Jordan have close cooperation in international forums, and are working closely together at the UN, both on issues related to UN reform, and as co-chairs of the group of friends on prevention of extremism. Norway will enter the Security Council as an elected member from 2021-2022, and is looking forward to close coordination with Jordan during this period.
6. What about economic and trade cooperation, what is the volume of trade exchange between the two countries, the most prominent exports and imports, and the possibility of increasing cooperation in this aspect?
There is a potential for increasing trade and investment between the two countries. Around 30 representatives of the Norwegian energy, health tech, tourism and seafood clusters participated in the recent State visit. We are now trying to use the momentum that was created. Norway is mainly exporting seafood to Jordan, while we are importing clothes and accessories, chemicals and some fruit and vegetables. Norwegian Seafood export to the Middle East is on the rise, and we see Jordan as an interesting market for healthy and sustainable seafood.
7. Are there investments between the two countries and what is the volume of these investments, and in which areas are they concentrated?
Norwegian investments in Jordan are still limited, but a number of companies are engaged in projects here, for example within the solar and energy field. The foundation Sahara Forest Project is running a pilot plant in the desert north of Aqaba, using solar energy to desalinate water to grow vegetables. Norway has supported the project financially since the inception. A number of Norwegian and Norwegian-owned ships come in to Aqaba every year.
8. What about cultural, scientific and tourism cooperation between Jordan and your country?
There is a potential of increasing the number of tourists, and sustainable tourism was a focus area during the state visit. The number of tourists visiting Jordan was on the increase before the pandemic hit. Both Royal Jordanian and Norwegian have direct flights between Amman and Copenhagen. The state visit was also a good occasion to strengthen cultural and scientific cooperation, building on the cooperation that exists, for example within the music, dance and visual arts scene, and encouraging new cooperation, for example between female artists from both countries.
9. The Palestinian issue is the central issue in the region. What is your position on it and the Jordanian role in restoring momentum and focus to this issue?
Cooperation on the Palestinian issues is at the very heart of our relationship. As Chair of the AHLC, Norway remains committed to continuing to work with both parties on the basis of internationally agreed parameters and international law to achieve a negotiated two-state solution. Any peace initiative must take these conditions into account to succeed. Jordan plays a crucial role in promoting a negotiated two-state solution. His Majesty also has an important role as custodian of the Christian and Muslim holy sites in Jerusalem.
10. How do you see the Jordanian humanitarian role in receiving and accommodating refugees and providing them with services in various health, educational and other fields, and the burden that Jordan bears in this aspect and the importance of international support for it?
Jordan has shown great generosity in receiving a large number of refugees. Jordan’s efforts to integrate all children into the formal school system are truly impressive. Norway has kept is commitment in London of providing 10 billion NOK over four years to Syria and its neighboring country. As the crisis becomes protracted, we will continue to support Jordan in hosting the refugees.
11. Is there cooperation between the two countries in combating terrorism... and how do you see Jordan’s role in this field, especially His Majesty King Abdullah II’s initiative represented by the Aqaba meetings and Jordan’s participation in the international coalition against the terrorist ISIS gang.
Norway and Jordan are cooperating closely on combating terrorism, both through the International Coalition against ISIL, through our role as co-chairs of the Group of Friends to prevent Extremism and through the Aqaba process.
12. How do you view Jordan's participation in the international peace-keeping forces and the importance of that in promoting international peace and security?
Norway is supporting the Jordanian National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security. We are also supporting the training of female officers, through NATO.
13. Developments in the situation in the region, especially in the Syrian arena?
As a neighboring country and a host of a large number of refugees, Jordan has an important role. Norway supports the efforts by UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen towards a political settlement. We coordinate closely with Jordan, particularly when it comes to the situation in South Syria and the needs for humanitarian assistance.
(Petra)
Norway’s Ambassador to Jordan Tone Allers said on Sunday that Jordan has a crucial role as a provider of stability in the Middle East and that the Kingdom is a valued partner in efforts to solve and prevent conflicts, be it in Syria, Yemen or the Israel-Palestine conflict.
In an interview with the Jordan News Agency (Petra) on her country’s national day, the ambassador stressed that Jordan has been a crucial partner in supporting a two-state solution ever since.
As chair of the Ad hoc Liaison Committee supporting Palestinian State-building, and an important supporter of UNRWA, Norway works closely with Jordan, Allers indicated. She added: 'We also coordinate closely on Syria, where Jordanian perspectives are of great value. Our embassy in Amman is our biggest in the region, illustrating Jordan's role as a regional hub, both in the political, military and humanitarian field.'
Following is the full text of the interview in a Q&A format:
1. How do you view Jordan's foreign policy during the era of His Majesty King Abdullah II and its implications for the relations and partnership between Jordan and Norway?
During his reign, His Majesty King Abdullah has been playing an important role as a bridge builder in foreign policy, and a promoter of tolerance and cooperation on the international stage. Jordan, under His Majesty’s leadership, has set an example by receiving several waves of refugees, most notably after the invasion of Iraq and the Syrian crisis, and by stressing their right to safe and voluntary return. For Norway, His Majesty King Abdullah II has been an central partner in the efforts towards the establishment of a two state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. His Majesty is also a partner in defending the multilateral system at a time where it has come under increasing pressure.
2. How do you view the importance of the visits at the leadership and high level of the two countries to enhance bilateral relations and international cooperation?
What makes Norwegian-Jordanian cooperation so strong is that it takes place on all levels: between the Royal families, on the political level, between institutions and people to people. During my four years in Jordan, our Foreign Minister, Prime Minister and Crown Prince have all visited Jordan. The definite highlight was the visit to Jordan by Their Majesties King Harald and Queen Sonja in March this year, their first official state visit to the region. In addition to strengthening political cooperation and the signing of an agreement on political consultations, the visit included a business delegation of about 30 companies, focusing among other issues on health technology, energy and sustainable tourism. The visit was a joint effort with the Jordanian embassy in Oslo, which opened in 2017.
3. How do you see the historical relations between the two countries and the development they have witnessed?
Norway and Jordan last year celebrated 50 years of diplomatic relations. These have developed over the years, and are now stronger than ever. One of the more recent pillars of cooperation is in the area of defense, where an MoU was signed in 2019 and is now being implemented. It is my hope that in the future, there will be even more trade and investments and more people-to-people cooperation, also in the form of tourism between both countries.
4. What about your support to Jordan on the bilateral level and on the international level?
Norway greatly appreciates the hospitality and humanity that Jordan and its people have shown towards refugees. In our support for the Syrian crisis, we early recognized the role of the neighboring countries. A considerable part of our support goes to host communities, and through Jordanian institutions, with the aim of creating more resilience on all levels. Our main focus is education, where we support the multidonor fund that was established to allow Syrian children into the shool system. Recently, in light of the covid 19-crisis, we have been working with the ILO to support the Social Security Corporation in establishing an emergency unemployment fund. We believe that women’s participation is key to realizing Jordan’s potential, and are supporting a wide range of projects, including the Jordanian Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security and the building, through NATO, of a training center for female officers. Norway also supports a strong civil society in Jordan, for instance in the fields of media freedom and social cohesion.
5. What about coordination and consultation between the two countries on bilateral issues and issues of common interest? Are there identical views in the visions? Do the two countries support each other in international forums??
Norway and Jordan have close cooperation in international forums, and are working closely together at the UN, both on issues related to UN reform, and as co-chairs of the group of friends on prevention of extremism. Norway will enter the Security Council as an elected member from 2021-2022, and is looking forward to close coordination with Jordan during this period.
6. What about economic and trade cooperation, what is the volume of trade exchange between the two countries, the most prominent exports and imports, and the possibility of increasing cooperation in this aspect?
There is a potential for increasing trade and investment between the two countries. Around 30 representatives of the Norwegian energy, health tech, tourism and seafood clusters participated in the recent State visit. We are now trying to use the momentum that was created. Norway is mainly exporting seafood to Jordan, while we are importing clothes and accessories, chemicals and some fruit and vegetables. Norwegian Seafood export to the Middle East is on the rise, and we see Jordan as an interesting market for healthy and sustainable seafood.
7. Are there investments between the two countries and what is the volume of these investments, and in which areas are they concentrated?
Norwegian investments in Jordan are still limited, but a number of companies are engaged in projects here, for example within the solar and energy field. The foundation Sahara Forest Project is running a pilot plant in the desert north of Aqaba, using solar energy to desalinate water to grow vegetables. Norway has supported the project financially since the inception. A number of Norwegian and Norwegian-owned ships come in to Aqaba every year.
8. What about cultural, scientific and tourism cooperation between Jordan and your country?
There is a potential of increasing the number of tourists, and sustainable tourism was a focus area during the state visit. The number of tourists visiting Jordan was on the increase before the pandemic hit. Both Royal Jordanian and Norwegian have direct flights between Amman and Copenhagen. The state visit was also a good occasion to strengthen cultural and scientific cooperation, building on the cooperation that exists, for example within the music, dance and visual arts scene, and encouraging new cooperation, for example between female artists from both countries.
9. The Palestinian issue is the central issue in the region. What is your position on it and the Jordanian role in restoring momentum and focus to this issue?
Cooperation on the Palestinian issues is at the very heart of our relationship. As Chair of the AHLC, Norway remains committed to continuing to work with both parties on the basis of internationally agreed parameters and international law to achieve a negotiated two-state solution. Any peace initiative must take these conditions into account to succeed. Jordan plays a crucial role in promoting a negotiated two-state solution. His Majesty also has an important role as custodian of the Christian and Muslim holy sites in Jerusalem.
10. How do you see the Jordanian humanitarian role in receiving and accommodating refugees and providing them with services in various health, educational and other fields, and the burden that Jordan bears in this aspect and the importance of international support for it?
Jordan has shown great generosity in receiving a large number of refugees. Jordan’s efforts to integrate all children into the formal school system are truly impressive. Norway has kept is commitment in London of providing 10 billion NOK over four years to Syria and its neighboring country. As the crisis becomes protracted, we will continue to support Jordan in hosting the refugees.
11. Is there cooperation between the two countries in combating terrorism... and how do you see Jordan’s role in this field, especially His Majesty King Abdullah II’s initiative represented by the Aqaba meetings and Jordan’s participation in the international coalition against the terrorist ISIS gang.
Norway and Jordan are cooperating closely on combating terrorism, both through the International Coalition against ISIL, through our role as co-chairs of the Group of Friends to prevent Extremism and through the Aqaba process.
12. How do you view Jordan's participation in the international peace-keeping forces and the importance of that in promoting international peace and security?
Norway is supporting the Jordanian National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security. We are also supporting the training of female officers, through NATO.
13. Developments in the situation in the region, especially in the Syrian arena?
As a neighboring country and a host of a large number of refugees, Jordan has an important role. Norway supports the efforts by UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen towards a political settlement. We coordinate closely with Jordan, particularly when it comes to the situation in South Syria and the needs for humanitarian assistance.
(Petra)
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Jordan plays crucial role in Mideast stability, says Norwegian envoy
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