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Amid the regional turmoil, Israel and Jordan are working together to develop mutually beneficial economic projects.

The Israel-Jordan Committee for Security and Transportation convened today Tuesday, in Israel, to discuss advancing the “Jordan Gate’ Project,” a joint Israel-Jordan industrial and employment zone which will be established in the Jordan Valley.

The meeting took place in accordance with the bilateral agreements between the neighboring Jewish State and the Hashemite Kingdom to promote the project in the coming months, including the professional and security aspects associated with it.

The purpose of the project, led by the Ministry of Regional Cooperation, is to establish a joint industrial zone, which on the Jordanian side will consist of Israeli and Jordanian factories, while the Israeli side will serve as a logistic base and for the transfer of goods to ports in Israel. A bridge will be built for the passage of goods and pedestrians between the two sides.

Deputy Regional Cooperation Minister Ayoub Kara, who leads the project and the Steering Committee, commended the meeting of the Joint Committee.

“This is an important milestone between the two countries in promoting a large scale economic project, which will provide employment and welfare to Israeli and Jordan citizens and the entire region,” said Kara.

The establishment of the industrial zone is intended to deepen economic and trade relations between Jordan and Israel and, accordingly, cooperation and stability in the region.

In addition, the industrial zone will expand employment opportunities for residents of the region, Israelis and Jordanians, and will contribute to the strengthening and development of the region.

Close Ties Despite Tensions

Israel and Jordan have been fostering ties, amid regional turmoil and despite the tensions surrounding the Palestinian violence and the Temple Mount.

In March, Israel and Jordan signed a historic final agreement to construct a pipeline connecting the Red Sea with the Dead Sea. The “Red-Dead” project will help save the Dead Sea while providing much-needed fresh water to Israel, Jordan and the Palestinian-administered territories.

Israeli Energy and Water Resources Minister Silvan Shalom, who signed the agreement in Amman, described it as “the most significant agreement since the peace treaty with Jordan. This is the culmination of a productive cooperation between the nations, that will help restore the Dead Sea, and provide solutions to Jordan’s water problems.”

By: Max Gelber, United with Israel