Aqaba: Chairman of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), Nayef Fayez, and French Ambassador to Jordan, Alexis Le Cour Grandmaison, engaged in discussions on Wednesday, focusing on joint efforts with the French Embassy, a notable supporter of Aqaba's ongoing development initiatives.
According to Jordan News Agency, the meeting involved an exchange on ASEZA's current projects, emphasizing advancements in infrastructure, investment attraction, and the ambition to position Aqaba among the leading cities globally. A significant aspect of their dialogue was the potential involvement of French entities specializing in coastal management to aid the development of Aqaba's marine reserve.
During the meeting, Fayez highlighted the robust Jordanian-French partnership, which has been pivotal in addressing regional challenges. He underscored the collaborative efforts aimed at bolstering Jordan's stability amidst regional uncertainties. Fayez expressed appreciation for the trust and friendship between the two nations, illustrated by the interactions between His Majesty King Abdullah II and French President Emmanuel Macron, who shares a commitment to regional stability.
Fayez outlined critical projects under the French-Jordanian partnership, including possible collaborations with French companies on Jordan's National Water Carrier Project. He also mentioned the memorandum from the French Development Agency (FDA), which aligns with Jordanian government priorities, supporting the nation's modernization agenda and strategies in the water and energy sectors, especially green hydrogen.
Additionally, Fayez discussed the expansion of King Hussein International Airport, which frequently accommodates French tourists and operates a charter flight route connecting Paris, Amman, and Aqaba. The importance of developing Aqaba's marine environment, home to rare fish species, was also noted, with cruise ships resuming operations in the Gulf of Aqaba.
Meanwhile, Ambassador Le Cour Grandmaison acknowledged Aqaba's emergence as a global destination for tourism, investment, and significant projects. He announced upcoming visits by a French Senate delegation to evaluate ongoing projects in Aqaba, highlighting the city's substantial progress and its alignment with the Economic Modernization Vision.