Jordan signs 31-mln-euro grant agreement with Dutch gov't to support major water project

AMMAN, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Jordan's Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation signed Thursday an agreement with the Dutch government for a 31-million-euro grant from the latter to finance its National Water Carrier Project.

"This major project will help ensure future water supply, including for vulnerable communities, and support Jordan's economic growth. The Netherlands is fully committed to this partnership," Dutch Ambassador to Jordan Harry Verweij was quoted in a statement by the ministry.

Gelsomina Vigliotti, vice president of the European Investment Bank, which will manage the grant, said, "This major contribution from the Netherlands underscores our shared commitment to ensuring access to safe and sustainable water resources."

The project, Jordan's largest infrastructure project, seeks to address the kingdom's water shortages by providing 300 million cubic meters of desalinated water each year to meet the needs of about 4 million citizens. ■