Southern Shuna, June 14 (Petra) -- The Ministry of Interior Saturday launched a project for the restoration and development of the King Hussein Bridge with a Canadian government grant in a partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

In a ceremony attended by Canadian Ambassador Tariq Ali Khan, Director of UNODC in Jordan Amjad Adarbeh??, officials and representatives of security agencies, Interior Minister Mazen Faraya said the project kicked off despite current security challenges, which underline Jordan's resolve to forge ahead with vital projects to enhance security and provide facilitaties at border crossings.

He hailed Canada's support in the fields of development, defense, security, and women's empowerment, referring to the historic partnership between the two countries.

The rehabilitation of the border center is to ease travel for Palestinians from the West Bank and Jerusalem, he pointed out, noting "the humanitarian and geographical" importance of the bridge as the only outlet for Palestinians to the outside world and a key passageway for pilgrims.

Faraya said the project is part of a master government plan to upgrade the border crossing's infrastructure, including construction of a new reception center, expansion of cargo terminals and a road network.

The Canadian Ambassador, for his part, reiterated his country's commitment to supporting humanitarian and development efforts in Jordan and the region.

He commended the Kingdom's efforts for the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, including workers at Jordanian crossings and United Nations partners.

The project, funded at a cost of 3.4 million Canadian dollars, includes aid corridors and training facilities to enhance the capacity of staff to respond to growing needs, he said, noting the partnership with the United Nations and local Jordanian authorities.

The UNODC director said the project is a response to a pressing need to develop the King Hussein Bridge as a vital crossing point with security and humanitarian implications. It focuses on boosting the capacity of agencies at the center, improving infrastructure and facilities, and enhancing institutional cooperation between partners, he said.

Azarbeh said UNODC has been working with the Jordanian government for years on projects to combat organized crime, terrorism and drug trafficking, and to develop criminal justice systems.

//Petra//SS


14/06/2025 17:25:11