Amman, Nov. 10 (Petra) -- Senate President Faisal Fayez on Tuesday called for expanding trade, investment, and tourism cooperation between Jordan and Russia, including Russian participation in development projects at the Baptism Site ahead of the 2,000th anniversary of Jesus Christ’s baptism in 2030.
Speaking at the opening of the first World Public Summit, The Arab World in Amman, held under his patronage, Fayez urged both countries to explore new opportunities for cooperation and encourage private-sector investment.
The event was organized by the Arab Peace Group in cooperation with the Jordan Tourism Board and Russia’s World Peoples Assembly to develop joint projects in culture, education, science, and public diplomacy and strengthen bilateral economic cooperation.
Fayez noted that Jordanian–Russian relations date to 1963, during the reign of King Hussein bin Talal, and have strengthened under King Abdullah II, adding that ties are grounded in mutual respect, shared interests, and a history of communication and cooperation.
He highlighted coordination on regional and international issues and Jordan’s appreciation of Russia’s support for King Abdullah II’s efforts to resolve the Palestinian question through a two-state solution and restore regional security and stability. He also cited Russia’s support for the Hashemite Custodianship of Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem and its rejection of Israeli settlement activity and unilateral measures in the West Bank.
Citing tourism as a "promising" area for cooperation, he pointed to Jordan’s historical, archaeological, and religious sites and Russia’s cultural and historical heritage. These resources, he explained, offer opportunities to exchange expertise, attract visitors, and develop joint tourism programs and projects.
Fayez called for increasing Russian tourist arrivals, affirming Jordan’s readiness to welcome pilgrims and visitors from Russia and around the world for the 2030 commemoration.
He invited Russian participation in development projects at the Baptism Site to strengthen Jordan’s position as a destination for Christian pilgrimage. He highlighted the Russian Orthodox Church’s role in the occasion and in bilateral religious tourism, noting the established Russian presence at the site through its church and pilgrims’ house.
Fayez welcomed the mutual visa-exemption decision, which would support tourism in both countries, and encouraged Russia to take advantage of Jordan’s facilitation measures to increase travel between them.
Arab Peace Group Chairman Ali Mohammad said the meeting is taking place amid rapid global and regional changes posing major challenges to the Arab world and the international community.
He stated the group’s partnership with the World Peoples Assembly reflects a belief in people-to-people diplomacy and direct dialogue as foundations for building trust, overcoming conflict, and achieving a just and comprehensive peace.
The group’s chairman also described the Arab world as a meeting venue of civilizations and the birthplace of divine religions. He argued that its cultural and ethical heritage remains a resource for addressing present challenges and shaping the future.
He affirmed peace extends beyond the absence of war to include sustainable development, social justice, protection of human dignity, and stronger cultural, educational, and economic partnerships.
World Peoples Assembly Secretary-General Andrey Belyaninov reported that the event's presentations showed the global summit held in September had drawn more than 6,000 participants from 154 countries. Arab participation was particularly strong, totaling about 600 people, he noted, adding that preparatory activities in Moscow had received a positive response.
Belyaninov also urged participants to advance cooperation in education, culture, and knowledge exchange. He also called for greater international awareness of Arab civilization’s contributions to science, philosophy, and literature and appreciation of that heritage.
Arab League Assistant Secretary-General Fayed Mustafa, speaking on behalf of Secretary-General Nabil Fahmy, said dialogue, mutual respect, and justice are foundations for partnerships among peoples and cultures and a shared future of peace and stability.
He stressed that Arab heritage is "integral" to people’s identity and dignity, and that protecting it requires preserving cultural diversity, languages, and folk traditions as well as archaeological sites and historical landmarks.
Mustafa stated that attacks and destruction in Palestine, particularly Jerusalem and Gaza, affecting people, holy sites, cultural institutions, and heritage sites were aimed at erasing Palestinian national identity and altering historical realities.
He also highlighted the importance of investing in young people, strengthening partnerships in education, culture, science, and technology, and using knowledge and innovation to help communities respond to challenges.
As for presence, the summit brought together public figures, representatives of international organizations and government bodies, academics, experts, educational and cultural institutions, and representatives of youth, women, business, and the media.
Its agenda focuses on translating international dialogue into joint projects, with particular attention to the Arab world’s cultural heritage, contemporary initiatives, and international partnerships based on respect for cultural diversity and shared human values.
//Petra// AO
