Amman, Nov. 10 (Petra) -- Jordan and Azerbaijan on Tuesday discussed expanding cooperation in social protection, digital services, and economic empowerment, including a joint work program engaging expert exchanges, workshops, and shared initiatives.
Minister of Social Development Wafa Bani Mustafa met with Azerbaijani Ambassador to Jordan Shahin Abdullayev to explore cooperation between the ministry and Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population.
Bani Mustafa said action to build on bilateral relations by exchanging experience in social development would support sustainable development.
She outlined Jordan’s efforts to strengthen its social protection system and improve services for those most in need under the National Social Protection Strategy 2025–2033.
The strategy, she stated, focuses on protection, economic and social empowerment, and helping families become self-reliant.
The minister expressed interest in Azerbaijan’s experience in digital transformation and social service delivery, particularly its DOST centers, which provide government and social services through a single point of access.
Discussions covered support for income-generating family enterprises, small and home-based businesses, vocational training, and greater economic participation by women and young people. They also addressed older people’s economic participation, community inclusion, and access to better services.
The two sides explored exchanges on services for persons with disabilities, including early intervention units across Jordan and mobile units to reach people in remote areas and provide therapeutic and occupational therapy services to them and their families.
Abdullayev, in turn, welcomed the ministry’s work in social development and protection and emphasized exchanging expertise to improve social programs and services in both countries.
The meeting also addressed family and child protection, domestic violence prevention, and improvements to care and protection services through sharing experience and best practices.
Agreeing on the importance of cooperation between the two ministries, both sides would then prepare a joint work program that includes reciprocal visits, expert exchanges, workshops, and joint initiatives.
//Petra// AO
