The Government of Canada, represented by Canadian Ambassador to Jordan Donica Pottie and Brigadier-General Michel-Henri St-Louis, Commander Joint Task Force-Impact, were joined by members of the Jordanian Armed Forces (JAF) and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) for the ceremony marking the completion of the Canadian Border Road Rehabilitation project.
Today's ceremony highlights a crucial milestone as Canada supports the long-term success of our ally and partner, Jordan. With an investment of $18M by Canada, the rehabilitated military border road covers over 63 kilometers and is built to Jordanian standards by Jordanian labour. Launched in February 2019 through Government of Canada support and in partnership with UNOPS, the Border Road Rehabilitation project enhances the JAF's ability to respond quickly to potential border incursions, smuggling activity, and security incidents along Jordan's northern border with Syria.
This project is just one of the many Canadian Armed Forces' (CAF) efforts in Jordan. Other Government of Canada efforts include mentorship and training to Jordanian soldiers, including assisting in gender integration in line with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325. Since 2018, CAF members have been mentoring the Jordanian Female Engagement Team, as well as supporting other gender inclusion initiatives. The provision of non-lethal equipment such as clothing and protective equipment, and English language training are other important capacity building initiatives.
Canada remains committed to its whole-of-government strategy to address the crises caused by Da'esh in the Middle East by supporting humanitarian, development, stabilization and security in Iraq and the broader region.
Quotes
"Canada has a strong and collaborative relationship with Jordan, built on mutual defence and security priorities. On my recent trip to Jordan, I was able to see the completed Border Road which allows the Jordanian Armed Forces to better respond to threats in the region. This project is just one example of the positive impact of Canada's Middle East Strategy. By working with our partners in the region, Canada is helping to strengthen regional security."
- The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence
Quick facts
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Canada's assistance to Jordan is part of Canada's whole-of-government strategy for the Middle East, and CAF efforts complement the work of other government departments and agencies, including Global Affairs Canada and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
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The CAF's capacity building efforts are helping Jordan address the spill-over effects of the ongoing conflict in Iraq and Syria, and contribute to peace and stability in the Middle East.
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Security is an important pillar of post-conflict reconstruction, and helping partner nations improve their military capabilities, capacities and competencies is one of the critical means by which the CAF is helping to defeat violent extremist groups, like Da'esh, and increase security and stability in the Middle East.
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Members of the Canadian Armed Forces deployed as part of Joint Task Force Impact contribute to the Government of Canada's whole-of-government efforts to reduce the threat posed by violent extremist groups in Iraq and Syria, and they support regional stabilization through training and assistance to military forces in Jordan and Lebanon.
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In March 2019, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence, and the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, then Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced the extension of Operation IMPACT until the end of March 2021.
