Amman, Oct. 11 (Petra) -- Water and Irrigation Minister Raed Abu Soud on Sunday discussed cooperation with the Green Climate Fund (GCF), focusing on the Jordanian National Water Carrier Project and preparing water networks to receive its supply.
He met GCF Head for Eastern Europe, Central Asia and the Middle East, Thomas Eriksson and Middle East and North Africa Regional Director Amjad Elmahdi, in the presence of Water Ministry Secretary General Jihad Mahameed.
Speaking at the meeting, Abu Soud said the Fund is one of the "main" financiers of the National Carrier, with a total contribution of $295 million, including a $75 million grant.
Abu Soud said these efforts fall within the Economic Modernization Vision and the water sector’s strategic plan.
He added that the partnership with the Fund contributes "significantly" to improving water supply efficiency, sustaining resources and upgrading services for citizens, welcoming the Fund's decision to open its new regional office in Jordan.
The two sides reviewed the "Water for People and Nature" initiative, launched by the Fund with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) at an estimated cost of $1.6 billion.
The initiative targets 10 countries, including Jordan, which agreed on the need to mobilize large-scale financing from the Fund, the bank and public and private partners.
In turn, Elmahdi said Amman will serve as a "regional hub" for coordinating climate efforts and facilitating access to financing. He added that the Fund is "ready" to expand cooperation on a new package of water and wastewater projects in Jordan.
//Petra// NQ
