Salt:Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Emad Hijazeen and Greater Salt Municipality Committee Chairman Ali Bataineh have engaged in discussions to enhance cooperation on heritage preservation and development projects in Salt's historic center. The focus of these discussions is on safeguarding Salt's UNESCO World Heritage Site status and boosting its appeal as a cultural tourism destination.
According to Jordan News Agency, the meeting was attended by Ministry Secretary-General Mohammad Majali, Director-General of the Department of Antiquities Fawzi Abu Danneh, and representatives from the Balqa Tourism Directorate and the Salt Development Corporation. Minister Hijazeen emphasized the ministry's dedication to collaborating with the municipality to protect Salt's heritage and maintain its unique architectural character.
During the discussions, Hijazeen highlighted the necessity of revitalizing the historic center while respecting the city's architectural identity. He commended the municipality's efforts, particularly the initiative to establish a specialized training center for maintaining and restoring heritage buildings. This proposed center aims to bolster national expertise by equipping professionals with necessary skills in line with international standards.
Chairman Bataineh affirmed that preserving Salt's cultural and architectural heritage is a priority in the municipality's development plans. He stressed the importance of ongoing coordination with the ministry and relevant institutions for advancing joint projects. Bataineh outlined several initiatives, including the creation of the training center, rehabilitation of Al-Hammam Street, removal of buildings around the Latin Church, and improvements to public facilities to enhance visitor experiences.
Both parties have agreed to translate their discussions into action through cooperation agreements and joint working teams. These teams will oversee implementation, set priorities, and establish timelines to tackle any obstacles, ensuring sustained efforts in preserving Salt's heritage.