Aqaba, May 11 (Petra) – The Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) participated in the fourth meeting of the Follow-up Committee of the Interreg NEXT MED Regional Cooperation Program, recently held in Brussels, to discuss the future of development and environmental projects and strengthen regional cooperation in sustainable development.

According to an ASEZA statement issued Monday, Commissioner for Environment and Public Safety Nidal Awran said Jordan’s participation reflects its continued commitment to enhancing regional and international cooperation in environmental and sustainable development fields, as well as expanding engagement in initiatives supporting the green economy and efficient natural resource management.

He noted that Jordan will benefit from 29 of the 49 projects shortlisted under the program’s second call for proposals, adding that Jordan will lead implementation in four projects as the principal partner responsible for coordination and technical and financial management.

He added that Jordan will also participate as an implementing partner in 25 regional projects involving Mediterranean countries, with a combined budget exceeding 10 million euros.

Awran stressed that the participation provides an important platform for exchanging expertise and building strategic partnerships with participating countries and institutions, contributing to the implementation of development and environmental projects with tangible regional impact.

He also underscored Jordan’s continued adoption of pioneering environmental initiatives aimed at addressing shared environmental challenges and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals through cooperation with regional and international partners.

The meeting reviewed several key issues related to monitoring implementation of the program, including approval of projects submitted under the second call for proposals, which focuses on supporting the green transition in Mediterranean countries, as well as outlining the framework for the third call for proposals and discussing the program’s future direction for 2028-2034.

The ASEZA noted that it has hosted the Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office of the Regional Cooperation Program for the Mediterranean Basin since 2010, reflecting international confidence in its role as a regional hub supporting cooperation and sustainable development initiatives.

//Petra// AJ