Jordan's PM Ensour meets EBRD president

Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour on Friday met with President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Suma Chakrabarti. During the meeting, which was attended by Minister of Planning and International Cooperation and Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Ibrahim Saif and Jordan’s Ambassador to Turkey Amjad Adayleh, Ensour and the EBRD president discussed cooperation between Jordan and the Bank and means to support development plans in Jordan, especially in the fields of water, transport, renewable energy, financial markets, and small and medium-sized enterprises. Ensour outlined reforms being achieved in Jordan, especially in the economic and political fields, noting efforts Jordan exerts to attract investments. He said that hosting large numbers of Syrian refugees is placing pressure on Jordan’s limited resources, most notably in the infrastructure, water, education, labor, and health sectors. For his part, Chakrabarti expressed hope that a permanent office for the bank would be opened soon in Amman to contribute to promoting cooperation and partnership between the two sides. He also praised efforts Jordan accomplished in various areas, voicing keenness on supporting the kingdom to face current challenges resulting from political developments in the region. On the other hand, Ensour met yesterday with Mayor of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Kadir Tophas and discussed bilateral cooperation.