By: Nedal Zubeidi
Jordan Daily - Ireland and Jordan have strengthened their bilateral relationship through growing cooperation in education, trade, innovation and humanitarian efforts despite mounting regional and global challenges, Ireland's Ambassador to Jordan Marianne Bolger said on Tuesday.
Speaking at a reception marking Ireland's National Day in Amman, Bolger said the relationship between the two countries was "built not only on shared interests, but also on shared values."
Reflecting on her nearly four years in Jordan, she highlighted expanding educational cooperation, including a growing number of Jordanian students choosing Ireland for higher education and embassy-supported initiatives in science, technology, climate action, peacebuilding and filmmaking.
At the centre of those efforts is the Jordan Young Scientists (JOYS) programme, founded by the Irish Embassy and inspired by Ireland's Young Scientist tradition.
"Each June, I marvel at young Jordanian innovators embracing science, research and creativity with such enthusiasm," Bolger said. "This has been a powerful reminder for me that the strongest partnerships are those that invest in future generations."
She noted that more than 700 students from across Jordan will participate in this year's JOYS exhibition at Hussein Technical University on June 27.
Bolger also pointed to expanding economic ties, saying that "trade missions, business exchanges and growing commercial and innovation linkages" were creating stronger engagement between Irish and Jordanian companies.
"What began as conversations has increasingly translated into partnerships, investments, signed contracts and opportunities that benefit both countries," she said.
Turning to regional developments, Bolger said the Middle East continued to face "profound challenges," including conflict, displacement, humanitarian crises and economic pressures.
Despite these difficulties, she said, "we must maintain what we call in Ireland a duty of hope that the coming years will bring greater levels of stability, security and opportunity to the peoples of the region."
She praised Jordan's role as "a force for stability, moderation and constructive engagement" and described King Abdullah II as "a shining example as a global humanitarian."
Bolger welcomed Jordan's hosting of a high-level conference on Humanity in War later this year, saying it would be "a crucial opportunity to galvanise political commitment to International Humanitarian Law."
The ambassador said Ireland and Jordan had worked closely on regional issues, particularly in support of “a just and lasting peace based on a two-State solution, with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace, security and dignity.”
Bolger said Ireland's recognition of the State of Palestine in 2024 underscored its support for Palestinian statehood and peace efforts. She also praised Jordan's continued role in supporting refugees and facilitating humanitarian access to Gaza, where "humanitarian needs remain critical."
According to Bolger, Ireland's support to the region over the past 15 years has exceeded €450 million.
Looking ahead, she said Ireland's presidency of the Council of the European Union, beginning on July 1, would focus on "values, economic prosperity and security," while maintaining support for Ukraine.
Bolger also used the occasion to bid farewell ahead of the end of her posting next month, describing service in Jordan as "one of the greatest privileges of my career."
"Jordan quickly became far more than a place of work; it became a home," she said.
She concluded by congratulating Jordan's national football team, the Nashama, saying its World Cup performances and supporters had reinforced “my view that Jordanians are amazing people.”
