Amman, 21 September 2021 (TDI): Nasser Shraideh, the Jordanian Minister of Planning and International Cooperation met with Meryame Kitir, the Belgian Minister of Development Cooperation and Major Cities Policy, on Monday.
The agenda of the meeting was to deliberate on the ways to solidify economic cooperation between Jordan and Belgium. Shraideh discussed Jordan’s economic priorities program for 2021-2023.
The efforts adopted to boost the economy were also underscored. The Minister solicited support for the Jordan Response Plan (JRP) in the meeting. The issue of Syrian refugees and their economic impact on Jordan was also discussed during the meeting.
Moreover, the Planning Minister talked about the refugee-hosting states and the international community’s responsibility towards them, particularly Jordan.
The Belgian Minister on the other hand assured her country’s continued support for Jordan. She praised Jordan’s role in lending humanitarian support to the Syrian refugees.
Jordanian-Belgian Ties
Jordan and Belgium maintain strong ties in diverse political and economic domains. The relationship between the royal families in both countries has reflected positively on bilateral collaboration.
The Belgian Development Agency also helps fund to support Syrian refugees and host communities in Jordan through vocational training and job opportunities.
On the political level, consultation and coordination are continuing between the two countries at various levels regarding regional issues and issues of common concern.
Economically, Belgium’s exports to Jordan in 2019 amounted to 271.5 million euros. Belgium’s imports from Jordan amounted to 46.2 million euros. Chemical products constitute the bulk of imports and exports between the two countries.
The Belgian Embassy also has established the “Belgian Jordanian Business and Friendship Association” (JBFA) in 2019. The association’s board of directors is presently working to entice new members from the business community.
Furthermore, Jordan and Belgium also cooperate in countering terrorism. Belgium supports the Aqaba process launched by His Majesty King Abdullah II to mobilize support and coordinate efforts to counter-terrorism.
