Karak, June 21 (Petra) -- Mutah University President Salameh Al-Naimat received the Irish Ambassador to Jordan, Marianne Bolger, and the French Ambassador to Jordan, Franck Gellet, at the university’s Faculty of Agriculture in the Al-Rabba area on Sunday.

The diplomatic visit marked the launch of a development partnership between Mutah University, the Dar Abu Abdullah non-profit organization, and Schneider Electric. Supported by Irish Aid, the initiative aims to promote sustainable development, deploy modern technological innovation to support the agricultural sector, and empower local communities in the southern governorate of Karak.

The meeting was attended by Mutah University Vice President for Scientific Affairs Amin Aqel, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture Nofal Al-Emairi, Dar Abu Abdullah representative Samer Balqar, and Schneider Electric representative Mohamed Samy, alongside academic and administrative staff.

Al-Naimat said Mutah University’s core vision centers on building strategic partnerships with national and international institutions to drive sustainable development, advance scientific research, and serve the local community. He noted that Karak possesses promising agricultural potential that requires coordinated efforts between academia, the private sector, and international partners to transform challenges into real economic opportunities.

This initiative provides high-quality training and applied research opportunities for students in advanced agricultural techniques and renewable energy, Al-Naimat added, enhancing their competitiveness in the labor market.

The Irish and French ambassadors praised Mutah University's community role and its efforts in building national capacities. They emphasized the vital contribution of international partnerships in backing sustainable development initiatives, empowering youth, and fostering innovation locally.

Balqar outlined Dar Abu Abdullah’s strategy to build impactful development partnerships that improve livelihoods and foster self-reliance in local communities, noting the project's capacity to assist farmers and raise agricultural production efficiency.

Schneider Electric's Samy affirmed the company's commitment to sustainability by providing innovative technological solutions in energy management and automation to help the agricultural sector navigate future challenges.

Following the talks, Al-Naimat and the ambassadors inaugurated a greenhouse project at the Faculty of Agriculture. Implemented by Dar Abu Abdullah with funding and technical support from Schneider Electric and Irish Aid, the project features advanced soilless farming systems.

The greenhouse infrastructure is designed to promote sustainable agricultural practices, optimize resource efficiency, and offer hands-on training in smart farming techniques, bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical market needs.

The delegation concluded the visit with a tour of the Faculty of Agriculture’s facilities, where they were briefed on current academic programs, research projects, and the department's ongoing outreach services for the local agricultural community.

//Petra// AF