Jordanian-Canadian Parliamentary Meets Canadian Ambassador
Amman3 min read
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The President of the Jordanian-Canadian Parliamentary Friendship Association, MP Rania Al-Khalifat, met with the Canadian Ambassador to the Kingdom, Louis Martin Oume, to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral relations and expand the horizons of parliamentary and developmental cooperation between the two countries.
Al-Khalifat emphasized during her meeting with the Canadian Ambassador on Monday the depth of Jordanian-Canadian relations that have spanned over six decades, and the pivotal role shared by both countries in the stability of the region, noting the level of existing cooperation and Canadian support for Jordan in economic, educational, and developmental fields.
She pointed to the importance of translating these relations into sustainable practical projects and programs that contribute to supporting economic development and providing job opportunities in less fortunate areas, particularly the southern governorates.
Al-Khalifat called for expanding cooperation in the fields of the environment, water sector, agriculture, climate change, youth and women empowerment, entrepreneurship, technology, education, and training, to enhance their capabilities and open broader horizons in the labor market, alongside exploring the possibility of expanding scholarship programs for small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as scholarships and educational support for Jordanian students.
For their part, the association members, MPs Raed Al-Qatamin, Dr. Ahmed Al-Olaimat, and Bassem Al-Ruwaibdeh, emphasized the importance of supporting the Hashemite custodianship of Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, and preserving the historical and legal status quo there, pointing to the need to continue international efforts aimed at supporting the rights of the Palestinian people and preserving the chances of achieving a two-state solution.
For his part, Ambassador Oume expressed his country's keenness to continue strengthening Jordanian-Canadian relations, praising the partnership between the two countries in the fields of peace, security, development, and prosperity.
The ambassador explained that Canadian cooperation with Jordan focuses on supporting youth and women and economic empowerment, alongside supporting small and medium-sized enterprises and entrepreneurship.
He revealed that the Canadian government has allocated about 20 million Jordanian dinars for five development projects over the next five years, focusing on economic empowerment for women, supporting youth employment, and enhancing entrepreneurship, especially small and medium-sized enterprises and women-led projects.
On the regional issue, Ambassador Oume described the situation in the West Bank as unacceptable, in light of the ongoing acts of violence, intimidation, and displacement of Palestinians from their homes and lands, considering these practices as threatening the chances of achieving a two-state solution, reiterating Canada's position in support of establishing a Palestinian state capable of managing its affairs and achieving security and peace alongside Israel, and urging the international community to continue its efforts to address the roots of the crisis and not to be content with managing it.
In this context, he praised the role played by His Majesty King Abdullah II in dealing with regional issues, particularly the Palestinian issue, expressing his country's appreciation for the Jordanian efforts aimed at achieving peace and stability in the region.
He pointed out that Canada has taken a number of measures against Israel, including imposing sanctions on a number of Israeli officials, affirming that his country will continue to evaluate its steps and positions in light of developments on the ground.
