Jordan – Visit by Franck Riester (23 November 2020)

Franck Riester, Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and Economic Attractiveness, attached to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, visited Jordan on Monday as part of a regional tour in order to continue the efforts to promote understanding and calm tensions initiated by President Macron and the minister for Europe and foreign affairs, in the context of the campaign targeted against France over the last few weeks. Franck Riester reaffirmed that the fight being led by France, together with its partners in the region, is targeted against extremism and terrorism. He reaffirmed France’s deep respect for Islam and the protective environment enjoyed by Muslims in France, just as it is by people of all faiths, within the framework of the Republic’s laws. In this context, the minister reaffirmed France’s commitment alongside Jordan and underscored the importance of this close and trusting relationship.

The minister delegate was received by Acting Speaker of Parliament and Speaker of the Senate Faisal al-Fayez and met with Minister of Planning and International Cooperation
Nasser Shraideh. He also met with Nael Kabariti, Chairman of the Jordan Chamber of Commerce.

During these meetings, the minister delegate reaffirmed the importance of the economic ties between France and Jordan. France is the largest non-Arab investor in the sectors of strategic importance to the country’s development (transport, water, telecommunications). French companies directly or indirectly employ nearly 30,000 people in Jordan and their longstanding, solid collaboration with the Jordanian private sector contributes to that country’s sustainable growth and economic attractiveness. This close relationship is also a long-term one, and it is a major asset amid the current global pandemic. During this visit, we had to opportunity to focus on this special relationship and to identify ways to preserve and strengthen it in the future.