Amman, May 28 (Petra) -- The Dutch Embassy in Amman hosted a reception on Monday evening to honor Jordanian graduates of Dutch academic institutions and government-funded training programs, bringing together more than 200 alumni at the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts in Jabal Luweibdeh.

The event aimed to strengthen bilateral ties between Jordan and the Netherlands while fostering professional and academic connections among alumni. More than 750 Jordanians have benefited from education and training opportunities in the Netherlands, either through direct government support or self-funded studies. This includes participants in the Shiraka Partnership Programme and the Middle East and North Africa Scholarship Programme (MSP).

For the first time, the embassy extended its alumni outreach to include Jordanians who pursued higher education in the Netherlands independently. The move is part of a broader effort to integrate all alumni into a growing network designed to support long-term academic, professional, and diplomatic collaboration.

"The key to strong bilateral relations lies in people-to-people connections," Dutch Ambassador Harry Verweij said during the event. "Our alumni, whether trained through government-funded programs or graduates of Dutch universities, are living bridges between Jordan and the Netherlands. We are proud of this diverse and expanding network, which underpins our sustainable partnership."

Ambassador Verweij also underscored the significance of cultural and educational exchange in fostering mutual understanding. He noted that the sharing of knowledge, expertise, and best practices benefits both countries, and that many alumni have become influential change-makers in their respective sectors.

The Shiraka programme, launched in 2012, is the Netherlands’ flagship initiative for knowledge exchange with the MENA region. It focuses on capacity building for civil servants across a wide range of policy areas. Since its inception, more than 650 Jordanian public sector employees have received training in the Netherlands under the program.

The MENA Scholarship Programme (MSP), also funded by the Dutch government, offers short-term courses for young professionals in the region. It aims to enhance institutional capacity, build bridges through knowledge, and promote long-term cooperation between the Netherlands and Arab countries.

//Petra// RZ

28/05/2025 10:21:16