AMMAN — Switzerland is ready to use its diplomatic experience in mediation and dialogue to support efforts to ease regional tensions and advance negotiated solutions, Swiss Ambassador to Jordan Emilija Georgieva said on Sunday, stressing the need to protect civilians and uphold international law.

 

In an exclusive interview with The Jordan Times on Sunday, Georgieva said that Switzerland stands in solidarity with Jordan and remains committed to working with the Kingdom on dialogue, stability and peace.

 

“At a time of heightened tensions, our message is clear: international law must be respected, civilians must be protected, and every effort must be made to achieve de-escalation and lasting, negotiated solutions,” Georgieva said.

 

She said that Switzerland’s longstanding experience in mediation, dialogue and “good offices” remains available to the region through its diplomatic network and by providing spaces for talks, particularly in Geneva.

 

Preparatory work is currently under way in Geneva for the High-Level Conference on Humanity in War, which will be hosted by Jordan on December 7.

 

Georgieva also highlighted Switzerland’s Regional Cooperation Programme for Syria and neighbouring countries for 2026-2029, which combines humanitarian assistance, development cooperation, peacebuilding and migration.

 

The programme supports vulnerable populations and access to basic services, while also addressing livelihoods, water management, good governance and social cohesion.

 

“Jordan is an essential partner in all of these efforts,” she said, highlighting the Kingdom’s role in promoting regional stability and providing humanitarian support.

 

Beyond diplomacy, Georgieva said that culture and the arts can strengthen ties between Jordan and Switzerland by creating connections that traditional diplomacy cannot always achieve.

 

She pointed to the Swiss Film Days, Switzerland’s participation in the Amman International Film Festival and the Voices of the Reef project, which brings together Swiss and Jordanian expertise in art, science and environmental protection.

 

“I would like to see even more exchanges between Swiss and Jordanian artists, filmmakers, students and cultural institutions,” she said, stressing that bilateral relations are also relations between people.

 

On artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, Georgieva said that Switzerland is following developments in Jordan with “great interest”, noting that both countries have strong human capital and an interest in using innovation to address practical challenges.

 

She cited the National Flood Mapping Programme as a concrete example of cooperation, with Switzerland providing Jordanian government partners with expertise and training in advanced flood analysis, modelling tools and technologies.

 

The resulting flood maps can support urban planning and emergency preparedness by giving authorities better information to assess and manage flood risks.

 

The cooperation also comes as Switzerland prepares to host the Geneva AI Summit on June 21-22, 2027, bringing together governments, international organisations, academia, civil society and the private sector to discuss how AI can drive progress while ensuring its safe and responsible use.

 

Environmental cooperation is another key area. Through the Transnational Red Sea Center, Switzerland and Jordan are working to better understand and protect the coral reefs of the Gulf of Aqaba.

 

Georgieva said that the latest Voices of the Reef project will bring together 12 Swiss and Jordanian artists for a weeklong residency in Aqaba, where they will meet local partners and explore the reefs before translating scientific knowledge into art and storytelling.

 

She said the project aims to raise awareness, particularly among young people, and strengthen a sense of shared responsibility for protecting the Red Sea ecosystem.

 

On economic ties, Georgieva said bilateral trade reached approximately CHF 850 million in 2025, with Swiss companies present in sectors including pharmaceuticals, tourism and hospitality.

 

She said there remains room to deepen these ties through stronger business networks, entrepreneurship, vocational training and market-relevant skills.

 

Georgieva also described Jordan as a country of “remarkable contrasts”, combining ancient history with a young population that has ideas, ambitions and a strong desire to innovate.

 

Despite the challenges facing the region, she said, Jordan continues to play an important role as a place for dialogue, exchange and cooperation.