The day of Saint-Patrick, our national holiday, I would like to contemplate the six years that the Irish Embassy residing here in Jordan, which presented a platform for increasing positive interaction and bilateral relations between Jordan and Ireland. In addition to a high level of political engagement, these six years have experienced growth in trade and economic relations, larger educational links, increasing humanitarian and development partnerships and cultural exchanges.
Saint -Patrick is an opportunity for tens of millions of people of Irish origin from around the world – as well as many friends from Ireland – to join Ireland, literature, music, culture, history and a look at the life that formed our island. We know in Ireland that we are very lucky because we have a national day that many people appreciate.
We also know that conflicts continue to destroy people’s lives around the world, especially in this region, which increases hunger, movement and unbearable suffering levels. The high cost of living and anxiety about technological and social changes have also undermined confidence in traditional working methods.
In Ireland, we are not immune to these international winds, but we try to restrict their effects. Admittedly, with regard to investors and tourists on our island, we try to present a coherent coherent approach. In a turbulent world that we live today, we think that this balance deserves the effort to preserve it.
Ireland is regularly one of the best places in the world for corporate management, because the World Competitiveness Report 2024 Ireland ranked first in the world to attract and keep talents, classified first of flexibility and the ability to adapt the workforce and ranked first for the productivity of the workforce.
For an island that crossed the most difficult famine in Europe in the 19th century and a people who immigrated to millions of people until recently, this increase was among the first ten of the United Nations human development index supported by a new thought and a new strategic ambition. We also know that the result of the race is better when it runs a constant speed in a agreed direction, rather than running back and forth.
We also try to adopt a clear and coherent approach in our foreign policy, according to the principles of compassion and partnership which trained our last member in the United Nations Security Council.
Last month, the third anniversary of the Russian brutal invasion of Ukraine passed. The illegal assault of Russia must end. But how to achieve peace is also important. Our message is clear – there can be no solution in Ukraine without Ukraine. The bad deal for Ukraine is a bad deal for all of us. This is the reason why we are in the ranks of Ukraine now and in the future.
We also believe that we have also taken an initial position in the Middle East. In Gaza, the extent of human destruction and suffering is really horrible, with more than 47,000 dead, most of them women and children. The cease-fire agreement and the release of the hostages came with the hope for the Israelis and the Palestinians, and it is necessary to ensure that hostilities do not resume. It is important to focus on the implementation of this agreement. The recovery and the increase in humanitarian aid are highly necessary and the restoration of electricity is also necessary to end the suffering of innocent civilians.
We also condemn the horrible terrorist attack of Hamas on Israel on October 7, 2023. Taking hostages is unacceptable. We call all the hostages to return to their family.
Since October 2023, Ireland has contributed more than 72 million euros to support the inhabitants of Palestine, including 58 million euros to support the United Nations Rescue and Work Agency (UNRWA). UNRWA’s work is necessary and is not compensated for millions of Palestinian refugees in the region, including in Jordan, in particular in the current situation in Gaza and West Bank.
Ireland hosts the agreement between Arab countries a joint plan to rebuild Gaza. Ireland, the European Union and the international partners were clear that there could be no forced displacement of civilians in Gaza and no occupation of the Gaza Strip.
As a small country, we are convinced that working together through the border, in the United Nations and other international organizations, is the best way to deal with global challenges and achieve sustainable development goals. We consider the protection and promotion of human rights as an essential element of securing and safeguarding peace and stability on a global scale. This is one of the reasons why Ireland caused the elections of the Human Rights Council of Nations for the period 2027-2029. This is what we will also mention in the G20, where Ireland was invited to participate for the first time in 2025, and we will be active in providing evidence to the need to use innovation to achieve complete economic growth. All this occurs while we intensify the preparation of ourselves for the presidency of Ireland of the European Union in the second half of 2026. Ireland is fortunate to be at the heart of the European Union, an unprecedented peace project, a vital market which includes more than 450 million people and a catalyst for a positive and complete social change.
Here in Jordan, the Ireland Embassy has witnessed main stages in all aspects of bilateral relations. The commercial exchange between the two countries has become stable and has increased by more than 60% since 2019. The year 2023 experienced a 67% increase in the number of Jordanian students who chose Ireland to study, exceeding traditional links in the medical sector. We look forward to receiving more students in Ireland in the coming years and supporting growing academic partnerships between the two countries. We focus our support on young people related to young people, recognizing the importance of the role of young people in the future of Jordan.
Our main program, the “Jordan Youth Scientists” program (JOYS) was founded by the embassy with great support from many partners, and focuses on the promotion of science, technology, engineering and mathematics among high school students in Jordan. Joys started 21 schools in 2022 and grew up to include participants of 537 schools in 2025. The program includes all governors, with pupils from public and private schools, UNRWA schools and military schools. The embassy also works with local partners to produce films and take measures related to climate and empower young people and women economically and women in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, as well as in the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza in cooperation with partners such as the Jordan Red Crescent Society.
Ireland also continues to support the United Nations agencies and NGOs which provide support for refugees from Syria and others, which are generously organized by Jordan.
In light of the growing positive growth in bilateral relations, there are certainly deep and complex challenges in the region and on a global scale which must be confronted together in the coming months and years. But there are also opportunities if our relationships with these challenges are based on the participation and cooperation. There is a famous Irishman who says that “almost Go Cur le Chéile – not to be able without unity”. As we celebrate Saint-Patrick, we must urge the steps towards joint work. This is what our peoples certainly deserve.
Ireland ambassador to Jordan
