Amman, March 14 (Petra) -- Jordan and the Philippines mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, which are built on friendship, partnership, trust, and shared aspirations.
Though our countries are very different geographically, our peoples and governments have forged a partnership that grows stronger with each passing year and is a testament and understanding of the bonds between our nations, Philippine ambassador Wilfredo C. Santos said.
The diplomatic relations were formally established during the state visit of His Majesty King Hussein bin Talal to Manila on 01 March 1976, he said.
The Philippines opened an embassy in Amman in 1980, and has consistently fostered political dialogue, strengthened economic and cultural partnerships, and supported the vibrant Filipino community in Jordan. Over the decades, it has played a central role in advancing shared interests, deepening friendship, and promoting cooperation across all sectors of bilateral engagement, according to an embassy statement.
Equally important to the formal relations between our countries are the strong connections between our peoples. Jordan has become a second home to over 47,000 Filipinos who live, work, and study in the country, while Jordanian students and professionals have also obtained education and exchanges in the Philippines, it said.
Overseas Filipino Workers, have pursued their personal and professional aspirations, contributed their skills and expertise, and fostered friendships that strengthen mutual understanding and goodwill between Filipinos and Jordanians alike, said the statement.
Over the past fifty years, political ties have deepened through high-level visits and collaboration in international fora. Notably, the state visit of President Rodrigo Duterte in 2018 further strengthened relations and underscored the commitment of both nations to strategic partnership and mutual understanding, it said.
More recently, the inaugural Philippines-Jordan Political Consultation in 2024 and the first Joint Committee Meeting on Labor Matters in 2025 have provided structured platforms for sustained cooperation, allowing both governments to coordinate on political issues and matters of mutual interests, the statement said.
Both our countries continue to engage constructively in international and regional fora, supporting each other in candidatures and initiatives, and maintaining an open and cooperative dialogue on global and regional issues, it said.
In the economic sphere, Philippines-Jordan trade relations have steadily grown through trade, investment, and business engagement. Notable initiatives include the outbound business matching mission in 2025, led by the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Agriculture, in cooperation with the Amman Chamber of Commerce and other business entities, the statement pointed out.
It added that the mission highlighted collaboration opportunities in key sectors, including agriculture, labor, energy, technology, and the creative industry, as well as import and export trade. The Philippines aims to be a trusted and reliable economic partner for Jordan, offering expertise, innovation, and investment that contribute to sustainable growth and mutually beneficial collaboration, said the statement.
The 50 years of diplomatic and people-to-people ties between the Philippines and Jordan have been shaped not only by agreements and official engagements but also by the human connections that bring our two countries closer together, said the statement.
The Philippines looks forward to continuing its partnership with Jordan to strengthen political dialogue, expand economic cooperation, deepen cultural and educational ties, and foster people-to-people connections, ensuring that the partnership built over fifty years will continue to thrive for generations to come, it said.
//Petra//SS
