Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Egypt and Jordan took a significant step forward in bolstering their long-standing bilateral ties with the signing of 10 cooperation documents during the 33rd session of the Egyptian-Jordanian Higher Joint Committee, held on Tuesday in Amman. The agreements cover a wide range of strategic sectors, including trade, investment, cultural heritage, and youth development.
The signing ceremony was attended by Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and his Jordanian counterpart Jaafar Hassan, who jointly oversaw the proceedings at the conclusion of the committee’s session.
Among the most notable agreements was an executive program to activate a memorandum of understanding between the Egyptian and Jordanian Ministries of Endowments (Awqaf), highlighting the role of religious institutions in promoting shared values and regional dialogue.
Egypt’s Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, Rania Al-Mashat, and Jordan’s Minister of Industry, Trade, and Supply, Yarub Al Qudah, were key signatories in several major deals. The two ministers signed an executive program between Egypt’s General Authority for Investment and Free Zones and the Jordan Free and Development Zones Group, outlining cooperation for the 2025–2026 period. The program aims to facilitate joint investment projects and strengthen economic integration between the two countries.
Additional memorandums of understanding were signed in the fields of consumer protection, local development, and government procurement, reflecting the countries’ shared commitment to administrative modernization and improved public service delivery.
A particularly timely agreement between the two Ministries of Tourism focused on the protection and recovery of cultural property, as well as combating the illicit trafficking of antiquities. This comes amid growing regional efforts to preserve historical heritage in the face of ongoing challenges such as smuggling and unauthorized excavation.
Scientific and youth cooperation were also emphasized. An executive program was signed between Egypt’s National Planning Institute and Jordan’s Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation to expand joint scientific research initiatives. Another agreement outlined a cooperation framework for youth programs between 2025 and 2028, promoting exchange programs, innovation, and capacity-building among young people in both nations.
In the financial sector, the Egyptian and Jordanian Ministries of Finance signed two separate documents: a memorandum of understanding on collaboration in government procurement and a second agreement launching a high-level financial dialogue. These steps are expected to enhance fiscal transparency and policy coordination.
The 33rd session of the joint committee reaffirmed the depth of Egypt-Jordan relations, which have historically been marked by strong political coordination and a shared vision for regional stability and development. Both governments have reiterated their intention to continue expanding bilateral cooperation in line with strategic priorities and the evolving needs of their societies.
