AGP Executive Report

EU-Jordan Partnership: The EU’s ambassador to Jordan said Amman is a “strong and resilient” partner, highlighting shared priorities on Palestine, the Syrian refugee crisis, the Iran file and regional stability, and pointing to EU support for Jordan’s economic and security resilience. UNRWA Support: UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged member states to protect UNRWA’s mandate and funding, warning the agency is indispensable but under mounting political and operational pressure, including attacks and closures affecting services for Palestinian refugees. Jordan Condemns Houthi Strikes: Jordan condemned Houthi ballistic missile attacks on Saudi cities Taif and Yanbu, calling them a violation of Saudi sovereignty and a threat to regional security, while backing Saudi measures to protect civilians and infrastructure. Iran-US Tensions and China Link: Reports say Trump warned Xi against supporting Iran and received assurances, while CNN cited US assessments that Chinese satellite data improved the accuracy of Iranian strikes, including a July attack on a US base in Jordan. Regional Diplomacy: Iraq’s prime minister told the UN it wants sovereignty respected and is seeking new energy corridors linking Iraq, Türkiye, Jordan and Syria amid Strait of Hormuz disruptions. Local Governance/Health Reform: Jordan’s EU-backed stability message came alongside a separate global focus on health and aid—Guterres stressed UNRWA’s role as a lifeline while Jordan’s foreign ministry reiterated solidarity with Saudi Arabia.

UN Diplomacy & Gaza: At UNGA81, Netanyahu’s speech triggered a major walkout by dozens of delegations, with several Arab and Muslim-majority countries including Jordan among those absent, underscoring deepening isolation amid the Gaza war. UNRWA Support: Jordan joined a ministerial push backing UNRWA, with participants stressing continued humanitarian and development support for Palestine refugees. Iran Tensions & Strait of Hormuz: Kuwait’s Crown Prince told the UN that Iran’s missile and drone attacks have targeted civilian infrastructure across the Gulf and Jordan, while Bahrain led an 80-country call for the Strait of Hormuz to reopen urgently and fully. Regional Diplomacy: Turkey’s FM Hakan Fidan met Jordan’s Ayman Safadi in New York, reiterating Ankara’s “One Libya” push and urging partners to engage all Libyan sides. Tourism & Connectivity: Jordan Tourism Board and Wizz Air announced renewed strategic cooperation and the return of Budapest–Amman direct flights from 22 September 2026, aiming to boost tourism access.

UN Diplomacy: Jordan’s Ayman Safadi warned at UNGA in New York that UNRWA is facing “political assassination,” saying any move to dismantle it would leave Gaza’s people without food, shelter and education. Two-State Push: Jordan and Saudi Arabia renewed calls for stronger steps toward the two-state solution, with Safadi warning Israeli policies are destroying remaining chances. Humanitarian Access: Egypt urged “sustained and unhindered” aid into Gaza and early recovery efforts, stressing UN agencies—especially UNRWA—must keep a central role. Regional Talks: Russia’s Lavrov met Jordan’s deputy prime minister Safadi on Middle East escalation and discussed trade and cooperation. Jordan Tourism: Jordan’s tourism minister began a Japan visit with high-level meetings aimed at boosting Japanese tourist arrivals. Local Economy: Amman Municipality issued 196 home business licenses, while Jordan’s digital push continues under crown prince directives.

UN Diplomacy in Focus: Jordan’s King Abdullah II used the UN General Assembly to warn that Israel’s “expansionist appetite” is a regional threat, while Deputy PM and FM Ayman Safadi said Jordan will keep exposing the occupation’s “inhumanity” and push deterrent international measures. Humanitarian Alarm: At UN events, Belgium’s FM said “silence can’t be our response” as European and Arab delegations marked a minute for Palestinian children and called for urgent protection in Gaza and the West Bank. Lebanon Talks: PM Nawaf Salam highlighted New York meetings aimed at de-escalation, calling for an Israeli withdrawal and stronger international presence in south Lebanon. Water Security Funding: The US International Development Finance Corporation approved major financing for Jordan’s National Water Carrier, including a $1.8bn package. Regional Energy History: A report revisited Saudi Arabia’s Tapline pipeline, a route that once linked Saudi oil to the Mediterranean via Jordan and Syria. US-China Spotlight: Trump welcomed Xi Jinping with a high-profile ceremony as the US-China trade truce was extended, with Iran and AI expected on the agenda.

UN Diplomacy in Focus: Jordan’s King Abdullah II’s UNGA address drew broad praise for warning Israel over Gaza and West Bank actions, stressing regional security, and reaffirming protection of Jordan’s borders and water resources. Regional Security Talks: On UN sidelines, a US-convened multilateral meeting reviewed efforts to contain Middle East escalation and protect navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab, with Jordan among attendees. Humanitarian Support: Jordanian Nablus Field Hospital/12 medical teams arrived in Nablus to provide care to Palestinians, while Hospital/11 personnel returned after treating tens of thousands of patients. Jordan Politics: The Muslim Brotherhood-linked Ummah Party elected Muath al-Khawaldeh as secretary general, despite the Brotherhood’s earlier bans and rebranding efforts. Food Safety at Home: Jordan’s Food and Drug Administration launched a campaign to simplify licensing for home-based food businesses and boost food safety compliance.

UN General Debate: UN chief António Guterres urged an end to violence, saying “ceasefires” have become “lesser fires,” as Gaza and the Middle East dominated speeches. Jordan’s UN stance: King Abdullah II told the UN Israel’s “expansionist appetite” is a regional threat, warning “Syria is the warning,” while Speaker Mazen Al-Qadi backed the King’s two-state roadmap and Jordan’s “red lines” on borders and water. Gaza aid bottleneck: More than 900 wheelchairs for injured Gaza children remain stuck in Jordan after Israeli restrictions, despite claims they pose no threat. US-Iran diplomacy: Trump said US envoys met Iranian officials via mediators in New York, hours after he renewed “annihilate” threats, reviving hopes for an off-ramp. Regional security talks: Lebanon’s PM Nawaf Salam met UN leaders including Jordan’s King on UN sidelines, seeking support for Lebanon’s stability. Energy corridor push: Trump endorsed IMEC, arguing shipping attacks show the need to move energy routes away from Iran-linked chokepoints. Jordan-linked economy: Iraq’s oil ministry says fuel oil exports via Aqaba through Jordanian territory are under arrangements, while the Haditha–Aqaqba pipeline remains “under study.”

UNGA Diplomacy: Jordan’s King Abdullah II warned at the 81st UN General Assembly that Israel’s “expansionist appetite” is a regional threat, saying “resolutions end where they began” and warning no one should assume ambitions stop at Palestine. Regional Security: In related UNGA coverage, Turkey’s Erdoğan again accused Israel of “state terror” over Gaza, while Jordan also stressed the northern borders and water security are core to national security. Tech & Attention: The King linked AI and fast-moving media to shrinking attention spans, arguing it can decide which crises get sustained diplomacy. Gaza Aid Push: Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, UAE, Indonesia, Pakistan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia urged Israel to meet Gaza humanitarian obligations, uphold ceasefire commitments, and enable aid delivery and reconstruction steps. Jordan in Finance/Industry: Jordan’s King also highlighted digital transformation themes, while separate reports note Jordan’s ongoing investment and infrastructure push, including school projects and port efficiency efforts.

Green Finance: Jordan Kuwait Bank issued its second Green Bond, with the IFC committing up to USD 100 million, backing renewable energy, efficiency, green buildings, blue finance and sustainable transport. Monetary Policy Impact: Despite the Central Bank’s 25-basis-point rate hike, Jordanian banks will not raise interest rates on existing individual loans, easing pressure on households as debt remains high. Royal Diplomacy & Tech: Crown Prince Al Hussein met Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi to discuss expanding Uber in Jordan, and also met an AI firm founder on Jordanian IP and AI initiatives. UNGA Spotlight: Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan defended the Mecca defense alliance amid criticism, saying it is only just beginning work. Regional Security: France’s UN envoy urged the Houthis to stop escalation and return to peace talks, while stressing diplomacy with Iran must continue. Amman Business & Data: A Digital Realty survey says more than half of Asia-Pacific enterprises plan to boost AI investment by over 25%, with infrastructure still a key barrier.

UN Diplomacy on Gaza: Jordan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi urged the international community in New York to enforce international humanitarian law and hold violators accountable, saying Israel is blocking food and medicine from entering Gaza despite aid availability. Regional Economic Ties: Central Bank of Jordan Governor Adel Sharkas said Syria’s economic recovery is a priority for Jordan, highlighting banking cooperation and investment opportunities through an Arab development and investment conference in Amman. Energy for Industry: A natural gas project for Al Rawdah Industrial Estate in Maan is moving into implementation after a foundation stone laying, funded by an Emirati grant, aiming to cut industrial energy costs and attract investment. EU-Jordan Links: Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides and King Abdullah II discussed closer EU ties, including civil protection cooperation after Cyprus received firefighting aircraft from Jordan. Monetary Policy: The Central Bank of Jordan raised interest rates by 25 basis points, with the change taking effect. Volunteering Spotlight: Applications opened for the fourth cycle of the Al Hussein Bin Abdullah II Award for Voluntary Work, Jordan’s top recognition for volunteer initiatives.

UN Diplomacy: The 81st UN General Assembly opens Sept. 22–28 in New York, with wars in the Middle East and Ukraine, climate change and AI risks expected to dominate. Jordan’s King Abdullah II is set to speak on the opening-day schedule, alongside leaders including the US, France and Türkiye. US-Iran Mediation: Qatar says its mediation team has been exchanging ideas for nearly two weeks to restart US-Iran talks, warning that using waterways like the Strait of Hormuz as leverage would set a dangerous precedent. Regional Security: Iran warns it will target US bases and interests across West Asia if Washington resumes action, after a senior military meeting involving the US, Israel and Arab states including Jordan. Holy Sites: Jordan, Gulf states and Qatar condemned an Israeli minister’s visit to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, calling it a violation of the status quo and sanctity. Jordan Economy & Trade: Jordan’s banks will not raise interest rates on existing individual loans, while Aqaba’s port cargo handling rose over 80% and tourism demand remains strong. Humanitarian Aid: UNHCR and Sheikh Abdullah Al-Nouri Charity signed an agreement to support nearly 4,860 Syrians, including returnees and refugees in Jordan’s camps.

Central Banking & Loans: Jordan’s Central Bank raised policy rates by 25 basis points, but banks will keep interest rates unchanged on existing individual loans, shielding borrowers from extra costs. Maan Development Push: Prime Minister Jafar Hassan said the government will back Maan with incentives to attract investment, including major land and electricity cuts and wage support for Jordanian workers. Tourism Momentum in Aqaba: Aqaba hotels hit about 93% occupancy as festival-driven demand boosts the Red Sea city’s hospitality and transport activity. Regional Security Diplomacy: Jordan and Bahrain condemned Houthi drone and missile strikes on Saudi Arabia, warning that attacks on civilians and infrastructure violate international norms. West Bank Education Disruption: Israeli checkpoint closures in the northern Jordan Valley prevented more than 100 Palestinian teachers from reaching schools, disrupting classes for thousands of students. Islamic Finance Event: Al Baraka Group and its banking units sponsor AAOIFI’s 24th Shari’ah Boards Conference in Manama, focusing on standards and Islamic finance governance.

Regional Security: Jordan and Bahrain condemned fresh Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, after Saudi air defences intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile aimed at Riyadh and thwarted attempts to target civilian areas in Bish, Taif, Farasan and Yanbu. Travel Alerts: The US also issued security and travel warnings across the Middle East, including Jordan, urging Americans to keep “heightened vigilance” due to the risk of rapid escalation, possible flight cancellations and airspace closures. Green Finance: Jordan Kuwait Bank launched its second Green Bond, with IFC backing up to $100m as anchor investor, with proceeds earmarked for renewable energy, efficiency, green buildings, sustainable transport and “blue finance.” Local Heritage & Tourism: In Ajloun, residents and specialists called for documenting the names and stories of village water springs in Arjan, linking them to community life, farming and potential tourism trails. Sports Spotlight: The Asian Games opened in Japan with an OCA Refugee Team from Jordan taking part, while Jordan’s regional audience also watched broader Middle East sports coverage.

Municipal Services Boost: Jordan launched a Municipal Employees Capacity-Building Program to train and qualify 2,000+ municipal staff, with the Local Administration Ministry saying municipalities deliver about 70% of direct citizen services and need stronger skills in urban planning, finance, tenders and local development. Digital Transformation Push: Crown Prince Al Hussein’s directives are driving Jordan’s digital upgrade, including further development of the “Sanad” app as a unified gateway to government services and moves toward an integrated national database, plus AI use in areas like healthcare, education and transport. EU Investment Pipeline: Jordan is preparing a nearly $15bn investment portfolio for the Jordan-EU conference on Nov. 19, highlighting energy and mining projects (about $7.1bn) alongside transport and logistics plans. Regional Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi signed MoUs with Czech counterpart Petr Macinka to institutionalise periodic political consultations and deepen cooperation, while reviewing regional de-escalation efforts. Tourism Connectivity: Aqaba Airport welcomed its first regular direct flights from Abu Dhabi, with Royal Jordanian launching twice-weekly service and expanding Gulf links. Local Economy: Tourism revenue rose 2.9% in the first eight months to $5.56bn and remittances climbed 14.1% to $2.97bn, supporting foreign-currency inflows. Markets: Jordan’s 21-karat gold hit JD88.90 per gram (selling).

Lebanon–Jordan–France Security Talks: King Abdullah II met French President Emmanuel Macron and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in Paris to secure international backing for Lebanon’s financially strained army, ahead of UNIFIL’s end-of-year mandate and discussions on post-UNIFIL international presence. Regional Diplomacy on Iran War: The US says its Iran war bill has climbed to $43.6B as of Sept. 3, while Washington prepares to meet Gulf leaders in New York next week as it weighs Yemen and broader regional security. Red Sea Pressure: Houthis’ attacks continue to disrupt shipping near Bab el-Mandeb, with traffic thinned and risk rising even as some vessels keep transiting. Local Jordan Relevance: A report also notes US strikes have damaged hundreds of buildings at US bases across the region, including Jordan, adding to missile-interceptor shortages. Public Safety in Jordan: An ammonia leak at Jordan’s Aqaba industrial complex injured 11–14 people, according to reports.

Jordan–Czech Diplomacy: King Abdullah met Czech leaders in Prague, stressing deeper Jordanian-Czech cooperation and warning against regional escalation, while reiterating concerns over West Bank annexation and violations at holy sites. Regional Security: In parallel, Jordan’s King called for stronger international diplomacy to restore stability and safeguard Jordan’s security and citizens. UN Sanctions Row: China and Russia vetoed a U.S. move to renew UN monitoring of Iran sanctions, leaving a monitoring gap while sanctions remain in force. U.S.–Jordan Military Logistics: Reports say the U.S. has begun moving heavy equipment from Iraq toward Jordan as the coalition’s Iraq mission winds down. Jordan Economy & Tourism: Jordan’s tourism continues to draw attention, with figures cited for revenue growth and spending, alongside broader regional travel promotion at ATM 2026 in Dubai. Local Business/Finance: Jordanian banking and payment firms announced new partnerships and upgrades aimed at improving SME credit decisions and digital commerce payments.

Regional Diplomacy: King Abdullah II heads to Czechia for talks with President Petr Pavel and PM Andrej Babiš, with discussions expected to cover Middle East developments plus closer economic and defence cooperation. Lebanon Security: France, Lebanon and Jordan met in Paris to rally international backing for the Lebanese Armed Forces and to plan a successor to UNIFIL in southern Lebanon, as the state seeks to reassert sovereignty amid Hezbollah’s armed presence. Jordan-EU/International Health: The WHO highlighted a major childhood cancer medicines gap, noting stockouts of key chemotherapy drugs in low- and middle-income countries, including work connected to Jordan’s King Hussein Cancer Centre. Tourism & Economy: Arabian Travel Market 2026 wrapped in Dubai with optimism and new deals, while Jordan’s tourism figures and revenue updates continued to draw attention. Public Sector & Governance: Jordan’s King and officials also featured in broader regional coordination efforts, including steps tied to media cooperation and public communication.