jordan pulse -

Irish Ambassador to Jordan Marianne Bolger said relations between Jordan and Ireland have steadily grown in recent years, driven by shared values and expanding cooperation in education, economy, innovation, and humanitarian work.

Bolger said her four years in Jordan have allowed her to closely follow and contribute to strengthening ties between the two countries, speaking at an Irish Embassy reception in Amman marking Ireland’s national day. She praised Jordan as a force for stability, moderation, and constructive regional engagement.

Educational cooperation, she said, has expanded beyond increasing Jordanian students in Ireland to include joint skills development in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), green and climate fields, peacebuilding, and film production.

Bolger added that the Jordan Young Scientists (JoYS) program, inspired by Ireland’s experience, aims to invest in Jordanian youth. She said a JoYS exhibition will be held Saturday at Al-Hussein Technical University (HTU), with more than 700 students from across the Kingdom presenting scientific projects.

Economic relations have grown through trade missions, business exchanges, and expanding commercial and innovation partnerships, resulting in joint projects, investments, and contracts, according to Bolger.

Bolger noted that the cooperation involved NGOs and civil society organizations, with a focus on supporting women and persons with disabilities, despite regional and global challenges.

The ambassador praised Jordan’s role in hosting refugees and facilitating humanitarian aid to Gaza, stressing the urgent need to ensure safe and sustained delivery of assistance.

The Middle East continues to face major challenges, she said, including conflict, displacement, humanitarian crises, and economic pressure, calling for renewed efforts to strengthen stability and expand opportunities.

Bolger said that Ireland is committed to a two-state solution to the Palestinian issue, adding that Dublin recognized the State of Palestine in 2024 and described it as a "historic milestone." She said Jordan has become a second home for her and her family, praising its culture, hospitality, and the friendships she has built. She commended the Jordanian national football team's World Cup campaign.

//Petra// HA