Amman, October 5 (Petra) – Chair of the Jordanian-Canadian
Parliamentary Friendship Association MP Rania Khleifat discussed with
Canadian Ambassador to Jordan Louis-Martin Aumais ways to strengthen
ties and expand parliamentary and development cooperation.

During a meeting held Monday, Khleifat underscored the depth of
Jordanian-Canadian relations, which span more than six decades and
the pivotal role the two countries play in promoting regional
stability.

She highlighted existing areas of cooperation and Canadian support
for Jordan in the economic, educational and development sectors.

She urged translating the strong ties into sustainable, practical
projects and programmes that contribute to economic development and
job creation in less-privileged areas, particularly in the southern
governorates.

Khleifat called for expanding cooperation in areas including the
environment, water, agriculture, climate change, youth and women’s
empowerment, entrepreneurship, technology, education and vocational
training.

Such cooperation, she said, would help enhance capabilities and
create broader opportunities in the labour market.

She called for exploring the expansion of grant programmes supporting
small, startup and medium-sized enterprises, as well as scholarships
and educational assistance for Jordanian students.

Association members MPs Raed Qatamin, Ahmad Oleimat and Bassem
Rawabdeh stressed the importance of supporting the Hashemite
Custodianship over Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem and
preserving their historical and legal status quo.

They called for continued international efforts to support the rights
of the Palestinian people and preserve prospects for achieving a
two-state solution.

For his part, Ambassador Aumais expressed Canada’s keenness to
continue strengthening relations with Jordan, praising the
partnership between the two countries in the areas of peace,
security, development and prosperity.

The ambassador said Canada’s cooperation with Jordan focuses on
supporting youth and women, promoting economic empowerment and
backing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and
entrepreneurship.

He said that the Canadian government has allocated approximately JD20
million for five development projects over the next five years.

The projects will focus on women’s economic empowerment, supporting
youth employment and fostering entrepreneurship, particularly among
SMEs and women-led businesses.

On regional developments, Aumais described the situation in the
occupied West Bank as unacceptable, citing ongoing violence,
intimidation and the displacement of Palestinians from their homes
and lands.

He said the Israeli violations undermine prospects for achieving a
two-state solution and reiterated Canada’s support for the
establishment of a Palestinian state capable of managing its own
affairs and living in security and peace alongside Israel.

He called on the international community to continue addressing the
root causes of the crisis rather than merely managing its
consequences.

In this context, Aumais commended His Majesty King Abdullah II’s role
in addressing regional issues, particularly the Palestinian cause and
expressed Canada’s appreciation for Jordan’s efforts to promote peace
and stability in the region.

He said that Canada has taken several measures concerning Israel,
including imposing sanctions on Israeli officials, adding that Canada
continues to assess its measures and positions in light of
developments on the ground.

//Petra// AK