Amman: British Ambassador to Jordan Philip Hall said Jordan and the United Kingdom enjoy a close and longstanding partnership spanning security, education, business, trade, and foreign policy, expressing confidence that cooperation between the two countries will continue to grow in the coming period.
According to Jordan News Agency, in an interview marking the celebrations of King Charles III's Official Birthday, Hall said Jordan and the United Kingdom are "very close partners" and that cooperation between the two countries serves the interests of both sides. He emphasized the importance of strengthening defense and education ties while maintaining close coordination on foreign policy issues. Trade represents an area with the greatest potential for growth, and businesses in both countries should expand cooperation.
On economic and investment cooperation, Hall highlighted that annual bilateral trade in goods and services exceeds JD1 billion, or approximately £1 billion, expressing hope that the figure will continue to increase. He noted the success of Jordanian companies in entering the British market, with Arab Potash Company and Jordan Phosphate Mines Company recently exporting their first shipment of potash and phosphate to a fertilizer manufacturer in the United Kingdom.
Hall also emphasized the presence of Jordanian food products in British markets and the ongoing collaboration to strengthen Jordanian small and medium-sized enterprises' export capabilities. He remarked on Jordan's success in exporting services, particularly through JORAMCO, which has become the world's eighth-largest aircraft maintenance provider, servicing a growing number of European, including British, aircraft.
In the business sector, the ambassador stated that three of the world's leading accounting firms, Deloitte, PwC, and EY, are expanding operations in Jordan due to the availability of skilled local talent. He also stressed the importance of links between technology entrepreneurs and FinTech companies, referring to the Tech Connect event hosted in London by Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II, which highlighted significant cooperation opportunities.
Hall mentioned Jordan's major infrastructure projects in the railway and water sectors, and plans for the new city of Amra, coinciding with improved regional trade routes and increasing trade with Iraq. He expressed hope that British companies would participate in related projects, supported by £3-4 billion in financing from UK Export Finance.
On cultural and educational cooperation, Hall discussed the British Council's role in promoting cultural collaboration and innovation in digital arts, while supporting the inclusion of persons with disabilities. He highlighted the UK's Cultural Protection Fund's efforts in preserving Jordan's cultural heritage and King Charles III's Turquoise Mountain Foundation's work in supporting artisans.
Education remains a key focus, with the British Council collaborating with Jordan's Ministry of Education to train English-language teachers and provide various educational programs. The United Kingdom is also the third-largest donor to UNRWA, providing educational support to Syrian refugees and host communities.
Regarding Jordan's regional role, Hall reaffirmed the commitment to a two-state solution and praised Jordan's humanitarian assistance to Gaza. He emphasized the close cooperation between Jordanian and British armed forces and Jordan's significant regional influence.
Finally, Hall noted the celebrations of Sir David Attenborough's 100th birthday and his contributions to global environmental awareness, encouraging efforts to preserve Jordan's natural landscapes. He congratulated Jordan on qualifying for the FIFA World Cup for the first time, describing the country as "a fabulous country" with "dignified and welcoming people."