Amman, August 1 (Petra) – Swiss Ambassador to Jordan, Emilija Georgieva, affirmed "long-standing and friendly" relations between Switzerland and Jordan, adding that this partnership is built on mutual trust, regular political dialogue, and broad cooperation across many areas of shared interest.
In an interview with "Petra" on the occasion of Swiss National Day, which falls on August 1, she said the two countries look back on more than 75 years of "strong" bilateral relations.
Among the recent milestones, she highlighted the official visit to Jordan of the Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis in October 2025 – a visit that also reiterated the shared commitment of both countries to advancing regional peace and security.
The diplomat noted that the Embassy of Switzerland in Jordan was established in 1970, which is today the Swiss official representation in Jordan that is also of regional importance.
She stated Jordan is a "regional hub" for Switzerland's engagement in the Middle East: from Amman, Switzerland oversees the implementation of regional international cooperation programs and broader diplomatic engagement across the region.
She referred to the establishment in Amman of the Middle East and North Africa office of the Swiss-supported Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF) and the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) in July 2026.
In this context, she noted: "The choice of Amman for this new office of the Geneva Centres reflects Jordan's stability and its role as a recognized venue for dialogue, cooperation and expertise in the broader region." Her Excellency described Jordan as one of Switzerland's "key" partners in the Middle East and a priority country for Swiss international cooperation.
Switzerland, she said, has supported cooperation projects in Jordan since 2001 and significantly expanded its engagement in 2011 following the Syria crisis.
Switzerland’s activities in Jordan under the Swiss Cooperation Programme for Syria and the Neighbouring Countries 2026-2029, are structured around four priority areas: Human development, economic development, climate and environment, as well as peace and good governance.
The ambassador elucidated by mentioning examples: "Some of the projects supported by Switzerland address immediate needs, through protection services and humanitarian assistance, she pointed out.
She affirmed other Swiss projects strengthen environmental resilience by contributing to disaster risk reduction efforts. Switzerland also supports economic development initiatives, such as job creation projects." The ambassador also underlined the "excellent" cooperation between Jordan and Switzerland in science diplomacy and innovation. An example is the Blue Peace Middle East initiative, whose Water Diplomacy Center is hosted at the Jordan University for Science and Technology.
Additionally, she highlighted the collaboration between the Transnational Red Sea Center at the EPFL École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne and Jordanian partners, which contributes to safeguarding the Gulf of Aqaba's unique coral reef ecosystem.
"Congratulations to Jordan on the inscription of the Aqaba Marine Reserve on the UNESCO World Heritage List," Georgieva said.
She added that Switzerland will continue to support efforts to raise public awareness of the reserve’s unique marine biodiversity and the need to protect it. "It does so through the Voices of the Reef project, which uses art to bring scientific discoveries to the broad public by showcasing the work of Jordanian and Swiss artists." On the economic front, the ambassador noted that bilateral trade reached approximately CHF 850 million in 2025. She mentioned the presence of Swiss companies in sectors including pharmaceuticals, tourism, and hospitality, highlighting the role of the Swiss-Jordanian Business Club in promoting trade and investment.
On other areas, the diplomat emphasized Switzerland's support for vocational education, entrepreneurship, and cultural heritage preservation through partnerships with institutions such as the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts, Turquoise Mountain, the HABIBI Foundation through the BARAKA Project, and Petra National Trust through the Beit Al-Jaghbir Restoration Skills Training Project.
"These projects all aim to build technical and professional skills that enable young people to access employment and generate income", said Georgieva.
She further praised the "strong" educational and cultural ties between the two countries. To illustrate, she mentioned the Swiss Jordanian Alumni Association, which aims to foster a durable professional and social network among Jordanian alumni of Swiss institutions.
"We are very proud that so many Jordanians have chosen to graduate from Swiss institutions. These alumni also play an important role in further strengthening the trust and cooperation between Jordan and Switzerland." Addressing recent regional developments, the ambassador reaffirmed Switzerland's solidarity with Jordan and reiterated Switzerland’s commitment to international law, dialogue, and peaceful conflict resolution.
"We urge all parties to make every effort to reach a lasting negotiated solution and stand ready to support with our good offices, including through hosting talks," she stated.
Recalling Switzerland's statement delivered at the United Nations Security Council on 28 July 2026, the ambassador reiterated Switzerland's call for the immediate and complete implementation of the Gaza peace plan, UN Security Council resolution 2803, the New York Declaration, and the relevant UN resolutions.
"International law, including international humanitarian law, must be respected, civilians protected and unimpeded, sustained and safe humanitarian access granted at all times", she underlined.
On the situation in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, the ambassador emphasized Switzerland's call for the implementation of UN Security Council resolution 2334, reaffirming that the Israeli settlements are illegal. Switzerland condemns any measures aimed at their expansion, as well as the increasing violence by settlers.
She reiterated that the occupation is illegal and must end and reaffirmed Switzerland's support for the implementation of a negotiated two-state solution in accordance with international law.
Concluding her remarks, Georgieva reasserted Switzerland's commitment to further strengthening its partnership with Jordan in support of sustainable development, scientific cooperation, economic prosperity, and regional peace and stability.
"Jordan – through the warmth and hospitality of its people – has truly become a special place for me and my family," she said.
"It is a privilege to serve in a country so rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. I especially love travelling to Petra and Wadi Rum and every time I go I discover new wonders. I look forward to spending more time here and to further deepening the friendship between our two countries," she said //Petra// AG
