Jordan and Kuwait Boost Development Cooperation

AMMAN: Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, Zeina Touqan, met with Acting Director-General of the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED), Waleed Shamlan Al-Bahar, to discuss enhancing development cooperation between Jordan and Kuwait. According to Jordan News Agency, the meeting emphasized the robust partnership between the two countries, which has facilitated substantial development support from Kuwait to Jordan over the years. Minister Touqan expressed gratitude for Kuwait's ongoing assistance, highlighting the pivotal role of KFAED in managing both grants and soft loans, which significantly contribute to Jordan's socio-economic development. The bilateral development cooperation has amassed approximately $2.1 billion from 1962 to 2024, with around $1.33 billion allocated in grants supporting critical development projects and aiding Syrian refugees, and about $778 million provided as concessional loans. Waleed Shamlan Al-Bahar reiterated Kuwait's commitment to supporting Jordan's development agenda, ensuring continued collaboration to help Jordan address its economic and financial challenges and improve public services. The meeting also covered the progress of ongoing projects funded by KFAED in Jordan and initiated discussions on the third phase of the 2018 Mecca Summit pledges. This phase includes the initialling of two financing agreements valued at KD10 million each, aimed at developing public education infrastructure and rehabilitating roads and bridges, aligning with Jordan's vision for economic modernization.