Amman: Swiss Ambassador to Jordan, Emilija Georgieva, recently emphasized the enduring and friendly relationship between Switzerland and Jordan, highlighting the foundation of mutual trust and regular political dialogue that supports their cooperation in various areas of shared interest.
According to Jordan News Agency, Georgieva, in an interview with "Petra" on the occasion of Swiss National Day, noted that the two nations have enjoyed over 75 years of strong bilateral relations. She recalled the significant visit of Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, to Jordan in October 2025, underscoring the shared commitment to advancing regional peace and security.
The ambassador highlighted the establishment of the Swiss Embassy in Jordan in 1970, which serves as a crucial point for Switzerland's regional engagement in the Middle East. Georgieva pointed to the recent establishment of the Middle East and North Africa office of the Swiss-supported Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance and the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining in Amman in July 2026, reflecting Jordan's stability and its role as a hub for dialogue and cooperation.
Since 2001, Switzerland has been supporting cooperation projects in Jordan, significantly expanding its engagement after the Syrian crisis in 2011. The Swiss Cooperation Programme for Syria and the Neighbouring Countries 2026-2029 focuses on human and economic development, climate and environment, as well as peace and good governance.
Georgieva elaborated on projects addressing immediate needs through protection services and humanitarian assistance, environmental resilience, and economic development initiatives like job creation projects. Highlighting the excellent scientific and innovation cooperation between the two countries, she mentioned the Blue Peace Middle East initiative and its Water Diplomacy Center at the Jordan University for Science and Technology.
The ambassador praised the collaboration between the Transnational Red Sea Center at EPFL ‚¬Å¡¬°cole Polytechnique F©d©rale de Lausanne and Jordanian partners, contributing to the preservation of the Gulf of Aqaba's coral reef ecosystem. Georgieva congratulated Jordan on the Aqaba Marine Reserve's inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List and emphasized Switzerland's continued support to raise awareness of its marine biodiversity through projects like Voices of the Reef.
On the economic front, she noted that bilateral trade reached approximately CHF 850 million in 2025, with Swiss companies active in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, tourism, and hospitality, facilitated by the Swiss-Jordanian Business Club. Switzerland's support also extends to vocational education, entrepreneurship, and cultural heritage preservation through collaborations with various Jordanian institutions.
Georgieva commended the strong educational and cultural ties, citing the Swiss Jordanian Alumni Association's role in fostering networks among Jordanian alumni of Swiss institutions, which strengthens trust and cooperation.
Addressing regional developments, the ambassador reaffirmed Switzerland's commitment to international law and peaceful conflict resolution, urging parties to reach a negotiated solution and offering Switzerland's good offices for talks. She reiterated Switzerland's call for the implementation of the Gaza peace plan and relevant UN resolutions, stressing the importance of respecting international law and protecting civilians.
On the West Bank situation, the ambassador emphasized Switzerland's stance against the expansion of Israeli settlements and reiterated the call for a two-state solution in line with international law.
Concluding her remarks, Georgieva expressed her commitment to strengthening the partnership with Jordan, supporting sustainable development, scientific cooperation, economic prosperity, and regional peace. She shared her personal affection for Jordan, appreciating its history, culture, and natural beauty, and looked forward to further deepening the friendship between the two countries.