Amman, April 26 (Petra) -- Minister of Transport Nidal Katamine underscored the strategic ties between Jordan and Saudi Arabia on Sunday, highlighting the transport sector as a primary engine for regional integration and bilateral trade.

During a meeting at the ministry with Saudi Ambassador to Jordan, Prince Mansour bin Khalid Al Saud, Katamine detailed a proposed national railway project designed to connect the Omari border crossing with Saudi Arabia to the Jaber crossing on the Syrian border. The planned route, passing through the Madouneh area, is envisioned as a strategic corridor linking the Arabian Gulf states to Syria and onward to Turkey via Jordanian territory. Katamine noted that the project would significantly enhance the flow of goods and open new avenues for regional commerce.

In a ministry statement, Katamine emphasized that current regional dynamics necessitate the development of effective and sustainable transport alternatives. He called for the acceleration of railway connection projects, citing their pivotal role in achieving economic stability and strengthening regional supply chains.

The Saudi Ambassador echoed these sentiments, describing the relationship between the two kingdoms as "deeply rooted" and characterizing the two nations as "one body" shared by mutual interests.

Prince Mansour highlighted the importance of joint transport projects, particularly in the rail sector, as strategic tools for regional economic integration. He affirmed Saudi Arabia's readiness to cooperate and provide necessary support to facilitate these joint ventures, recognizing the opportunities presented by rail infrastructure amid shifting regional landscapes.

The two sides concluded the meeting by stressing the importance of continued technical coordination between relevant authorities in both countries to move the transport projects into the implementation phase and achieve the desired regional connectivity.

//Petra// AF