Baku, Amman strengthen cooperation in emergency management

Azerbaijan and Jordan have signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance collaboration in crisis and emergency management. 

The agreement was signed by Kamaladdin Heydarov, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Emergency Situations, and Hatem Al-Zoubi, Deputy Director of Jordan’s National Centre for Security and Crisis Management, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media. 

The memorandum aims to bolster cooperation and facilitate the exchange of expertise in managing crises and natural disasters.

It also outlines plans for joint training exercises and closer collaboration in addressing the challenges of the climate crisis.

During the visit to Jordan, the Azerbaijani delegation toured the National Centre, familiarising themselves with its operational mechanisms, state-of-the-art response equipment, and strategic plans for crisis management.

Notably, Azerbaijan and Jordan have cultivated strong diplomatic relations since establishing ties in 1993. Over the years, their cooperation has expanded across various sectors, including politics, economy, agriculture, tourism, defence, and education.​

Politically, both nations maintain high-level engagements. King Abdullah II of Jordan has visited Azerbaijan multiple times, with his most recent visit in December 2019. President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan has also made official visits to Jordan, the latest being in 2009. These visits underscore the mutual commitment to strengthening bilateral ties. Jordan consistently supports Azerbaijan's sovereignty and territorial integrity in international forums.

Economically, the two countries have been enhancing their trade relations. In April 2022, the Jordan Chamber of Commerce and Azerbaijan signed a memorandum to boost trade and economic cooperation. Discussions are ongoing to reinstate direct flights between Amman and Baku to facilitate tourism and business exchanges.

Defence cooperation has also seen progress. In April 2024, Azerbaijan's Defence Minister met with Jordanian military officials to sign an agreement enhancing military-technical collaboration, including mutual defence operations and military education modules.

Culturally, the Jordanian-Azerbaijani Cultural Association in Amman plays a vital role in strengthening ties. Additionally, Azerbaijan's Agency for International Development Assistance (AIDA) supported the establishment of a computer laboratory for students with disabilities at the University of Jordan, promoting educational collaboration.

By Aghakazim Guliyev ​