Amman: Minister of Transport Wissam Tahtamouni on Monday engaged in discussions with European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) experts Fabrizio Pirelli and Erik Noor, focusing on the advancement of Jordan’s national maritime strategy. This initiative aims to enhance the efficiency of the country’s maritime sector and support Jordan’s adherence to international maritime safety standards and agreements.
According to Jordan News Agency, the meeting, which included the presence of Omar Dabbas, Director General of the Jordan Maritime Commission, explored opportunities for technical cooperation and aligning national practices with global maritime frameworks. Tahtamouni underscored the strategic significance of the maritime sector in bolstering Jordan’s economy and its critical role in enhancing connectivity with global markets. She praised the depth of Jordan’s partnership with the European Union and acknowledged EMSA’s technical support in strengthening the Kingdom’s maritime transport capabilities.
Tahtamouni highlighted the importance of the experts’ visit as a crucial step towards exchanging expertise and collaborative efforts to implement international best practices. She reaffirmed Jordan’s commitment to international maritime agreements and the development of policies for managing the transport of hazardous materials.
The discussions centered on practical policies under the proposed national maritime strategy and the broader governmental objectives. Tahtamouni emphasized the significance of technical cooperation in shaping a comprehensive and sustainable maritime framework.
Pirelli emphasized that collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and the Jordan Maritime Commission serves as a constructive model for enhancing maritime safety in the region. He noted that EMSA’s presence in Jordan is intended to aid in developing an effective maritime strategy that aligns with international standards and caters to both national and regional interests. He also highlighted the SAFEMED V program as a crucial platform for Mediterranean countries to meet the International Maritime Organization’s requirements.
Noor highlighted the Ministry’s pivotal role in coordinating with relevant stakeholders to develop a practical and integrated maritime strategy. He mentioned that the experts would conduct field visits in Aqaba to engage with stakeholders and finalize technical details and implementation plans.
Dabbas reiterated that the Ministry of Transport provides the main framework under which the Commission operates. He stated that the national maritime safety strategy is being developed through a participatory approach that ensures alignment among all concerned parties and compliance with international commitments.
The meeting concluded with an agreement to hold a final follow-up session via videoconference after the experts complete their visit to Aqaba. This session will review the outcomes of their meetings and discussions, as well as the preliminary draft of the strategy, in preparation for advancing to the next phase of development.
The visit is part of a multi-day program that includes meetings in Aqaba with officials from the Jordan Maritime Authority and other relevant entities, to examine the elements of the National Maritime Safety Strategy in accordance with the International Maritime Organization’s Code III.