By Daoud Kuttab

The departing Irish Ambassador to Jordan called on a crowded National Day celebration in Amman on 23 June 2026, “to maintain as “a duty of hope” for stability, security, and opportunity.” She praised Jordan’s role as a force for moderation and constructive engagement, citing His Majesty King Abdullah’s humanitarian leadership and expressing gratitude for the government’s continued support for refugees and for humanitarian access to Gaza and other parts of the region. She also reiterated Ireland’s support for a two-State solution and noted the historic significance of Ireland’s recognition of the State of Palestine in 2024.

The belated reception brought together Jordanian officials, members of Jordan’s Armed Forces, Irish representatives, distinguished guests, partners, and friends.

Welcoming attendees, Ambassador Bolger said the evening was an opportunity not only to celebrate Ireland but also to recognize the friendships, partnerships, and connections that bind the two countries. Over her nearly four years posted in Jordan, she described witnessing the continued growth of the bilateral relationship—built, she said, on shared interests and values.

The ambassador highlighted education and people-to-people cooperation as a major area of progress. Educational linkages, she said, have expanded well beyond the decision of young Jordanians to study in Ireland, with Embassy-supported initiatives across Jordan aimed at strengthening skills in STEM, climate and green sectors, peacebuilding, and filmmaking. She noted that a key focus is harnessing the talent and potential of Jordan’s youth.

Among the flagship initiatives is the Jordan Young Scientists programme (JOYS), inspired by Ireland’s own tradition of nurturing young scientific innovators. Ambassador Bolger said she is impressed each June by the enthusiasm of young Jordanian creators and researchers, adding that the strongest partnerships are those that invest in future generations. She announced that this year’s JOYS Exhibition will take place this coming Saturday at Hussein Technical University at 12 noon, open to the public, with more than 700 students presenting STEM projects from across the country.

Ambassador Bolger also pointed to the expansion of economic ties. She said trade missions, business exchanges, and growing commercial and innovation linkages are translating conversations into partnerships, investments, signed contracts, and opportunities that benefit both Ireland and Jordan. She noted that cooperation has continued even amid considerable regional and global uncertainty, including the work of NGOs and civil society partners, as well as efforts supporting women and persons with disabilities across a range of sectors.

Turning to the wider region, she said the Middle East continues to face profound challenges, including conflict, displacement, humanitarian crises, and economic pressures.

As Ireland prepares to assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from 1 July, Ambassador Bolger said the priorities are rooted in values, economic prosperity, and security, including continued support for Ukraine. She also thanked UN and NGO partners for their collaboration on humanitarian and peace-related efforts.

The reception also marked a personal farewell. Ambassador Bolger said her posting as Ireland’s Ambassador to Jordan and Iraq will end next month, with Deputy Head of Mission Jack Conroy departing over the summer. She expressed gratitude to Jordan for the warmth shown to her family and to her team, describing Jordan as having become “far more than a place of work,” but a home. She concluded by thanking the guests and wishing her successor, Nicole McHugh, success.