Rabat and Amman Strengthen a New Urban Partnership Through Comprehensive Twinning Agreement
On Thursday, the cities of Rabat and Amman took a significant step in their collaboration by signing a twinning agreement in the Jordanian capital, establishing a practical framework for exchanging expertise in urban planning, municipal services, and heritage preservation.
The agreement, signed by Fatihah Al-Moudani, the President of Rabat’s Municipal Council, and Youssef Al-Shawarbeh, Chairman of Greater Amman’s Committee, was attended by Morocco’s Ambassador to Jordan, Fouad Akhrif. It lays the foundation for an institutional partnership aimed at developing common approaches to address the transformations faced by major cities, particularly regarding sustainability and improving quality of life.
The areas of cooperation encompass technical and strategic files, including updating urban planning tools, enhancing green infrastructure, waste management and recycling, as well as devising solutions to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Coordination also involves the development of low-carbon public transport systems and mutual benefit from experiences in “smart cities” and digital transformation in managing local facilities.
The Moroccan ambassador noted that the twinning between the two capitals reflects the strong ties between Rabat and Amman, which receive significant attention from the leadership of both countries. He emphasized that decentralized cooperation accompanies the political dynamics observed in bilateral relations in recent years.
For his part, Al-Shawarbeh stated that the challenge lies in transforming demographic pressure and environmental challenges into opportunities for innovation and improved services. Meanwhile, Al-Moudani emphasized Rabat’s readiness to share its experience in urban transport, planning, and infrastructure, asserting that partnerships between cities have become essential tools for keeping pace with global shifts in local governance.
Following the signing ceremony, the Moroccan delegation commenced a five-day field visit, which includes tours of several vital projects in Amman, such as the traffic management center, the rapid bus transit system, the Zaha Cultural Center, as well as spaces dedicated to urban agriculture and public gardens.
This visit is expected to translate the agreement’s contents into actionable steps by initiating direct coordination channels between the two local administrations, thereby enhancing the protection of urban heritage and developing municipal governance mechanisms in harmony with the unique characteristics and future aspirations of each city.
