Amman, Dec 7th. Dr. Vincent O’Neill, Irish Ambassador to Jordan, met today with the Chairman and Members of the Jordanian-Irish Friendship Committee at the Senate.

Ambassador O’Neill gave an overview of Ireland’s commitment to strengthening its presence overseas through the opening of new embassies.

He pointed out that the Irish Government agreed to open an Embassy in Jordan in 2019 in recognition of the strengthening of Ireland-Jordan political relations and because of the key contribution of Jordan’s in maintaining peace and stability in the region.

Discussions focused on the generosity of Jordan in hosting refugees and financial assistance from Ireland in support of this.

Ambassador O’Neill informed the Friendship Committee of initiatives underway in the field of cooperation in some sectors, including Higher Education.

This includes the signing of cooperation agreements between Jordanian and Irish universities, as well as cooperation in the Postgraduate Medical Training Programmes for Jordanians in Ireland, along with other fields of common interest.

Ambassador O’Neill also noted Ireland’s solid and enduring commitment to the rights of the Palestinian People in achieving self-determination in a free independent state.

He commended Jordan’s achievements through the 100 years since its founding, noting Ireland’s was also celebrating a ‘Decade of Centenaries’ marking 100 years since the foundation of the Irish State.