Aqaba: The Australian Embassy in Amman, in collaboration with the Jordan Heritage Revival Company (JHRC), inaugurated a photo exhibition titled "Bonds Forged Under Fire" on Wednesday at the Sharif Hussein bin Ali House in Aqaba. The exhibition chronicles the deep-rooted diplomatic relationship between Australia and Jordan.
According to Jordan News Agency, Deputy Chief Commissioner of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority, Hamza Haj Hassan, who officiated the opening, emphasized the depth of bilateral ties spanning 50 years in various sectors, including tourism and trade. He welcomed Australian and other international investors to Aqaba, highlighting the city's appeal as a thriving tourism and investment destination. Aqaba, he noted, has welcomed over 110,000 tourists this year alone.
Australian Ambassador Bernard Lynch lauded the enduring relationship, recalling shared history that dates back over a century to the Arab Revolt led by Sharif Hussein bin Ali. He noted that the exhibition commemorates 50 years of formal diplomatic relations, tracing them back to 1918 when Australian Light Horse and Infantry units, alongside the Flying Corps, supported the Arab Revolt against Ottoman rule.
The exhibition, the ambassador said, illustrates the military contributions of Australian forces during that time and the evolution of the partnership into a modern-day alliance spanning defense, security, trade, education, agriculture, and cultural cooperation.
Lynch highlighted Australia's support for Jordan's humanitarian efforts, including hosting Syrian refugees and extending aid to Gaza, as well as contributions to archaeological projects in Jerash and Pella, reinforcing cultural collaboration.