Amman, October 5 (Petra) – Chair of the Jordanian-Canadian Parliamentary Friendship Association MP Rania Khleifat discussed with Canadian Ambassador to Jordan Louis-Martin Aumais ways to strengthen ties and expand parliamentary and development cooperation. During a meeting held Monday, Khleifat underscored the depth of Jordanian-Canadian relations, which span more than six decades and the pivotal role the two countries play in promoting regional stability.
She highlighted existing areas of cooperation and Canadian support for Jordan in the economic, educational and development sectors.
She urged translating the strong ties into sustainable, practical projects and programmes that contribute to economic development and job creation in less-privileged areas, particularly in the southern governorates.
Khleifat called for expanding cooperation in areas including the environment, water, agriculture, climate change, youth and women's empowerment, entrepreneurship, technology, education and vocational training.
Such cooperation, she said, would help enhance capabilities and create broader opportunities in the labour market.
She called for exploring the expansion of grant programmes supporting small, startup and medium-sized enterprises, as well as scholarships and educational assistance for Jordanian students.
Association members MPs Raed Qatamin, Ahmad Oleimat and Bassem Rawabdeh stressed the importance of supporting the Hashemite Custodianship over Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem and preserving their historical and legal status quo.
They called for continued international efforts to support the rights of the Palestinian people and preserve prospects for achieving a two-state solution.
For his part, Ambassador Aumais expressed Canada's keenness to continue strengthening relations with Jordan, praising the partnership between the two countries in the areas of peace, security, development and prosperity.
The ambassador said Canada's cooperation with Jordan focuses on supporting youth and women, promoting economic empowerment and backing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurship.
He said that the Canadian government has allocated approximately JD20 million for five development projects over the next five years.
The projects will focus on women's economic empowerment, supporting youth employment and fostering entrepreneurship, particularly among SMEs and women-led businesses.
On regional developments, Aumais described the situation in the occupied West Bank as unacceptable, citing ongoing violence, intimidation and the displacement of Palestinians from their homes and lands.
He said the Israeli violations undermine prospects for achieving a two-state solution and reiterated Canada's support for the establishment of a Palestinian state capable of managing its own affairs and living in security and peace alongside Israel.
He called on the international community to continue addressing the root causes of the crisis rather than merely managing its consequences.
In this context, Aumais commended His Majesty King Abdullah II's role in addressing regional issues, particularly the Palestinian cause and expressed Canada's appreciation for Jordan's efforts to promote peace and stability in the region.
He said that Canada has taken several measures concerning Israel, including imposing sanctions on Israeli officials, adding that Canada continues to assess its measures and positions in light of developments on the ground.
//Petra// AK
