(MENAFN- Jordan News Agency)

Amman, Oct. 9 (Petra) -- Jordan and Germany have reinforced their enduring partnership through a €47 million financing agreement signed for the "Development of New Water Resources" project in the Kingdom. The agreement was signed by Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Zeina Toukan, alongside officials from the German Development Bank (KfW).
This significant collaboration reflects Germany's continued support for Jordan's national development priorities, particularly within the framework of the National Water Strategy and the country's broader Economic Modernization Vision.
On behalf of the beneficiary side, the agreement was signed by Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abu Saud, while the German Development Bank (KfW) was represented by Judith Eitzler, Head of Water and Environment Projects for the Middle East, and Matthias Schmidt-Rosen, Director of the bank's office in Jordan. The signing ceremony was also attended by German Ambassador to Jordan, Bertram von Moltke.
The project aims to enhance Jordan's water supply through sustainable extraction techniques, desalination of brackish water, and boosting the country's capacity to adapt to climate change. These efforts are part of a larger national strategy to secure long-term water availability amid growing challenges.
Ambassador von Moltke highlighted the urgency of the issue, noting that Jordan is currently experiencing one of its most severe summer seasons in decades regarding water scarcity. He affirmed Germany's strong support to help Jordan address these challenges, including backing the ambitious National Water Carrier project that will transport water from Aqaba to Amman, a critical initiative aligned with the new project's goals.
The ambassador also praised Jordan's progress in reducing water losses, improving energy efficiency in the water sector, treating wastewater for reuse in irrigation, and moving forward with the final phases of the National Water Carrier.
However, he cautioned that significant obstacles remain, such as persistent water loss rates, the need for major investments, ensuring financial sustainability within the sector, and raising public awareness about the country's acute water scarcity.
"Germany will continue to support Jordan in tackling its pressing water challenges," said Ambassador von Moltke, emphasizing Germany's long-term commitment to the sector.

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