EU Ambassador: Our partnership with Jordan goes beyond economy to security and defense

He added that the disturbances and challenges facing the world have pushed the two sides closer together, in light of the convergence of their visions and positions on a number of international issues.

He explained that the past months have witnessed a significant momentum in political and diplomatic relations, represented by several visits, meetings, and summits, alongside the signing of a new partnership agreement during King Abdullah II's visit to Brussels in January 2025, supported by a European commitment to continue supporting Jordan, enhancing trade relations, and increasing European investments in the Kingdom.

Chatzisavas pointed out that the European Union mission, in cooperation with European embassies, the Jordanian government, and the Ministry of Investment, is preparing for an investment conference to be held on November 19, under the patronage of King Abdullah II and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

He stressed that security and military cooperation has become one of the strongest and fastest-growing areas of partnership between the European Union and Jordan, which includes providing advanced technologies to the Jordanian Armed Forces to help the Kingdom protect its airspace and sovereignty.

He pointed out that this cooperation includes providing short-range radars linked to missile and interceptor systems, affirming that the European Union is not just an economic supporter or a trade partner, but a reliable partner that Jordan can rely on to enhance its defense capabilities and protect its citizens.

He said that developing relations between the two sides also requires expanding the movement of students and workers, and increasing trade and tourism flows, which enhances communication between the Jordanian and European peoples, and expands opportunities for visits, acquaintance, and mutual understanding.

He explained that the European Union, within its bilateral cooperation portfolio with Jordan, invests in the tourism sector by training workers through vocational training programs, alongside the protection, development, and promotion of archaeological sites, considering them as one of the most prominent assets that Jordan possesses to attract tourists from around the world.

He pointed out that the European Union mission focuses its work in the sites of Machaerus and Abila, in cooperation with the Italian side, alongside work in Umm Qais and Ajloun in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme, while European countries and their embassies are implementing projects in other archaeological sites, including Petra and Um Al-Jamal.

He stressed that the site of Machaerus needs more protection and preservation due to its fragility and easy access, which has made it vulnerable to illegal looting and excavation in search of valuable coins, jewelry, and artifacts.

He pointed out that the site needs extensive archaeological work to contribute to a deeper understanding of it, and to present its historical and religious significance to tourists and visitors, explaining that the coming months will witness intensive work, in cooperation with Italian authorities, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, and the Department of Antiquities, to develop the site, enhance its protection, and preserve what remains of the bridge, castle, cisterns, and other landmarks.

Chatzisavas emphasized that protecting and developing archaeological sites is not enough to attract tourists, but a clear and attractive narrative that tells the story of the place and gives it a presence beyond its geographical boundaries is also needed.

He said: 'Tourists cannot be attracted if the story is not told to them; the narrative is as important as the site itself, and tourism is ultimately also a process of communication'.

He added that organizing major cultural events, such as the 'Messiah' performance organized by the Friends of Jordan Festivals Association in Machaerus, represents one of the most effective means of telling the story of the site and introducing it, and contributes to attracting thousands of visitors to discover its religious and historical value. The performance was held at the historical site on the evening of September 12, 2026.

He stressed that Jordan possesses exceptional tourist and archaeological sites, a viable and qualified tourism sector, alongside human resources capable of working in it, noting that tourism is one of the most capable sectors of providing job opportunities for young people, whether for qualified or less qualified labor.

He said that the Jordanian government has a direct and legitimate interest in investing in the tourism sector, due to its ability to stimulate the economy and generate job opportunities, but its development requires expanding the base of visitors, enhancing the global presence of tourist and archaeological sites, facilitating access to them, and presenting their stories in an attractive and impactful manner.

Chatzisavas concluded by affirming that enhancing the competitiveness of Jordanian tourism requires making archaeological sites more visible and accessible, highlighting the historical and religious narratives they contain, alongside organizing cultural events that bring them to life and solidify their presence on the international tourism map.