UAE Signs Investment Memorandum With Jordan To Advance Railway Cooperation

The UAE and Jordan have signed an Investment Memorandum for cooperation in the railway sector, aiming to enhance skill development, facilitate knowledge exchange, and promote the sharing of technical expertise between the two nations.

According to the memorandum, Etihad Rail - the developer and operator of the UAE National Railway Network - will help build a railway network in Jordan, covering 360 kilometers. The rail network will connect phosphate and potash mines to the Port of Aqaba.

As per the memorandum between the two sides, the railway infrastructure will be developed, including the manufacturing and supply of trains that meet top international standards. The project will also build loading and unloading stations for minerals in Aqaba, Ghor Al Safi, and Shidiya to make mineral transport easier and more efficient.

These stations will improve logistics and export operations. The project will also cover the maintenance, repair, and operation of the railway network.

The UAE-based company also signed two more agreements with Jordan Phosphate Mines Company and Arab Potash Company. These agreements aim to transport 16 million tons of phosphate and potash each year from the mines to the Port of Aqaba using the Jordanian railway network.

This new railway connection will improve the transportation of key materials, boost exports, and make logistics more efficient. It will also create jobs in transport and mining, helping Jordan's economy grow.

Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Minister of Investment of the UAE, said this memorandum "showcases our commitment to leveraging our collective and bilateral efforts to drive economic growth, while enhancing resilience and promoting economic diversification in both of our brotherly nations," WAM reported.

"Through enhancing capabilities and sharing technical expertise, we aim to establish new economic and investment connections that support infrastructure development and foster promising opportunities, all within the framework of our vision to achieve comprehensive and sustainable economic growth," he added.

During the signing ceremony, Jordan's Prime Minister Bisher Al-Khasawneh emphasized that this important investment project highlights the strong and friendly relationship between Jordan and the UAE.

He noted that these ties are strengthened by the support of King Abdullah II of Jordan and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. He further said that these investment initiatives sum up to approximately US $5.5 billion.

Last year, Alsuwaidi signed an agreement with Jordanian Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Zeina Toukan for investment cooperation in key areas, including infrastructure and development projects.