December 1st is a date that unites Romanians around the world in celebration of our National Day. It is a moment when Romania’s history is remembered with pride, but also an opportunity to look towards the future. Like all important celebrations, this one is better when shared with friends. And, for Romania, Jordan has been a close friend and partner for more than half a century. 2025 marks the 60th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between Romania and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

 

The continuous development of our bilateral ties is all the more remarkable when we consider the many geopolitical shifts and upheavals over the past six decades. The enduring strength of the relationship underscores the fact that, beyond our countries’ shared interests and objectives, this partnership is anchored by the genuine affinity and friendship between our peoples.

 

The celebration of Romania’s National Day allows us to reflect on how the historical experiences of our two countries have strengthened that mutual understanding and friendship. After the Great Union of December 1st 1918, at the end of the First World War, Romania faced a new geopolitical reality where many of the old certainties had been swept away and new types of challenges were emerging. Jordan, after its independence at the end of the Second World War, was confronted with a similar situation. Both countries understood early on the importance of diplomacy and international cooperation for ensuring lasting peace and prosperity.

 

Today, that historical experience is reflected in our two countries’ commitment to an international rules-based order and our support for peaceful and fair solutions in the Middle East, as well as in other areas. The continuous diplomatic efforts of His Majesty King Abdullah highlight Jordan’s constructive role as a pillar of regional stability and peace.

 

We are also united by our commitment to help and assist those in need. Our two countries have supplied humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza, with Jordan taking on a key role for the overall international efforts. We have worked together to deliver medical supplies from Romania to the Jordanian field hospitals in the Strip. Both Romania and Jordan have made significant efforts to evacuate children in need of medical care from Gaza for treatment in our own hospitals.

 

Romania’s strategic position in Europe and Jordan’s pivotal role in the Middle East have allowed the two nations to act as bridges between their respective regions, facilitating dialogue and collaboration on key global issues. As an EU Member State, Romania has long supported close EU-Jordan cooperation, which was elevated to a Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership this year. For the past three years, the Embassy of Romania has been the NATO Contact Point Embassy in Amman and has worked to strengthen the relationship between the Hashemite Kingdom and the North Atlantic Alliance, reflecting Jordan’s role as a key provider of security and stability in the region. A role which was once again recognized with the opening, this September, of the NATO Liaison Office in Amman, the first such representation in the region.

 

From an economics perspective, our two countries have a lot to celebrate together, and a lot to look forward to. Romania stands today as one of Jordan’s main trading partners in Europe and is a key supplier of agricultural and food products for the Jordanian market. Our cooperation on major infrastructure and industrial development projects has a decades-long tradition. Building upon this robust economic relationship and Jordan’s Economic Modernisation Vision, our two countries can further develop their cooperation in major areas such as energy, IT&C, tourismand the services sector.

 

In this landmark year for Romania - Jordan relations, there is one community which will have particular cause for celebrationon December 1st. This is, of course, the Jordanian-Romanian community which proudly embodies the dual heritage and culture of two great nations. This community is perhaps the most important and enduring result of our two countries’ bilateral cooperation, as it emerged almost entirely as a result of decades-long educational exchanges. Over 13,000 Jordanian students graduated from Romanian universities over the years and many of them formed mixed families with deep roots in both countries.

 

Therefore, as we celebrate Romania’s National Day in Jordan this year, we are fortunate to do so together with friends and family. As our two countries mark 60 years of successful diplomatic relations, we look forward to continued cooperation and partnership, to creating new opportunities for Romania and Jordan to thrive and contribute to a better global future together.

 

H.E. George Maior, Ambassador of Romania to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan