Jordan is playing a vital role in the Middle East peace process. The peace agreement between Jordan and Israel in 1994 was an important achievement and a crucial step forward in the efforts to bring peace and stability to the region. As the Middle East peace process is a central pillar in Norwegian foreign policy, it is important for Norway to be present in Jordan in order to be able to follow developments closely.
Our embassy was established in 1994, and the ties between our two kingdoms have been further strenghtened over the last decade. In 2000 Their Majesties King Abdullah II and Queen Rania made a very sucessful visit to Norway, and HRH Crown Prince Haakon Magnus was very happy visit Jordan when attending the World Economic Forum at the Dead Sea in May 2007. Both Norway and Jordan are members of the Human Security Network, and share the networks common values, goals and visions for the future. The human security agenda includes issues such as landmines, small arms, children in armed conflict, human rights, HIV/Aids and other threats to the security of individuals.
A stable and prospering Jordan is essential to the stability in the region as a whole. Jordan is still a developing country, and in need of foreign assistance to enable improved living conditions for its population. Over the last decade, Norway has offered assistance to Jordan in various fields.
In the water sector, Norway has funded several feasibility studies for water managing projects. We have also co-funded the process leading towards the establishment of the Waternet Regional Center in Amman. The Waternet Center will collect and issue data on water quality and water availability in the region.
Through Fafo AIS Norway in 2007 Norway founded a study on Iraqis in Jordan, which was undertaken in cooperation with Department of Statistics in Jordan. In 2001-2006 Fafo undertook a household survey which updated national living conditions data in Jordan, including on Palestinian refugees. The survey aims at widening the scope and coverage of social statistics in Jordan. In 2000 Fafo published the results from an in-depth study of Palestinian refugee camps in Jordan. The project was funded by Norway, in co-operation with USA, Canada and Sweden. Links to some of these studies can be found to the right on this page.
As one of few countries in the region Jordan in 1998 decided to sign the international Mine Ban Treaty of 1997. The Ottawa convention prohibits the use, production and stockpiling of anti-personnel landmines, and requires ratifying states to abolish such mines within a maximum period of ten years. The Norwegian government has provided more than $7 million to mine clearance in Jordan. The project is managed by Norwegian People's Aid and the National Committee for Demining and Rehabilitation. Read more about the project here.