Dhofar, Sept. 16 (Petra) -- Jordan and Oman signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on social development Wednesday, on the sidelines of a conference on independent living for persons with disabilities in Oman's Dhofar governorate.

Social Development Minister Wafaa Bani Mustafa and her Omani counterpart, Laila bint Ahmed Al-Najjar, signed the agreement during the two-day conference, running Sept. 16-17.

Bani Mustafa said the cooperation includes family development and protection, child welfare, and measures to prevent delinquency and addiction, particularly among juveniles, alongside the protection, care, and rehabilitation of persons with disabilities and the exchange of expertise on related legislation and policies.

She said the partnership also covers programs for the protection and care of the elderly, support for productive families, social and economic empowerment, and the economic and social empowerment of women, including protection for women at risk of violence.

She pointed out that cooperation will proceed under an executive plan setting out programs, activities and timelines.

Al-Najjar praised Bani Mustafa's participation and progress in Jordan's disability services, saying the MoU will help both sides share expertise based on best practices in social work.

//Petra// NQ