Ambassador Bolger Visits Aqaba
Ambassador of Ireland to Jordan, Marianne Bolger undertook a visit to Aqaba to meet key contacts in the business and education sectors and to identify scope for increased links between this part of Jordan and Ireland.
The visit commenced at the Queen Rania Al Abdullah Community Empowerment Centre (QRCEC), where the Ambassador was briefed on the impactful programmes aimed at empowering local communities, especially children and women in Aqaba.
Next, the Ambassador visited University of Jordan in Aqaba, and met with Vice President of the University Dr. Nazih Al-Batoush and other colleagues to discuss collaborative opportunities aimed at strengthening links between Ireland and Jordan in higher education and scientific research.
Ambassador Bolger also visited Queen Zain Al Sharaf Secondary School for Girls, where she engaged with students and teachers participating in the Jordan Young Scientist Programme. The students had the opportunity to showcase their projects to the Ambassador, highlighting their innovative ideas within JoYS programme for this year.
The Ambassador met with H.E. Mr. Nael Kabariti, Chairman of the Aqaba Chamber of Commerce, to explore economic development initiatives and to discuss bilateral opportunities in trade and investment between Jordan and Ireland.
The visit concluded at the Aqaba Digital Hub, where Ambassador Bolger met with members of the projects team and gained insights into the region's digital transformation efforts, highlighting the role of digital infrastructure in advancing economic prosperity.
Following the visit, the Ambassador said:
"Today was a wonderful day of exchanges with a wide range of contacts in Aqaba. Our discussions with the University of Jordan in Aqaba covered many areas for potential collaborations and follow up. Meeting the students at Queen Zain Al Sharaf School was a real pleasure and it was excellent to see the talent that exists there from the projects viewed. The meeting with the Aqaba Chamber of Commerce discussed business opportunities between Jordan and Ireland and the regional approaches that exist in both countries. Our visit to the Aqaba Digital Hub gave us insights into digital progress. Lastly, the Queen Rania Al Abdullah Community Empowerment Centre showed real efforts and dedication to helping local communities.”