Arab and international الأرشيف

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U.S. Embassy in Amman Celebrates 250 Years of American Independence

shahennews The U.S. Embassy in Amman celebrated the 250th anniversary of American independence, bringing together members of the Royal Family, senior Jordanian officials, diplomats, business leaders, and friends of the United States. The event is part of a yearlong celebration honoring 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the enduring American ideals and founding principles that continue to guide the United States in its “New Era of American Greatness.” The celebration also underscored the strong and enduring partnership between the United States and Jordan. U.S. Ambassador to Jordan Jim Holtsnider delivered remarks on America’s 250-year history and the strength of U.S.-Jordan relations. “Tonight, we celebrate a momentous occasion — the 250th anniversary of independence of the United States of America,” said Ambassador Holtsnider. “As President Trump noted, after 250 years, American freedom still rings, the American Dream still lives, and the American flag still flies, more proudly than ever.” “The United States and Jordan have long stood together as partners,” Ambassador Holtsnider continued. “Since 1949, Jordan has proven to be one of the United States’ most important allies, working with us to support many of the values we celebrate today… And today, the partnership between the United States and Jordan is, indeed, as strong as ever.” Ambassador Holtsnider marked the occasion with the traditional Independence Day cake-cutting ceremony, celebrating this historic milestone and the longstanding friendship between the American and Jordanian people.

Raniaa halawani4 weeks ago

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Embassy of Mexico in Jordan Celebrates the 216th Anniversary of Mexico’s Independence with a Mexican Music Gala

Shahennews The Embassy of Mexico in Jordan hosted its official commemoration of the 216th anniversary of Mexico’s Independence at the historic Odeon Theatre in Amman, with a Mexican Music Gala featuring María Luisa Tamez, mezzo-soprano, and Armando Merino, concert pianist, two of Mexico’s most distinguished artists of the National Institute of Fine Arts and Literature. The reception was attended by members of the Royal Family, including Her Royal Highness Princess Basma bint Talal and Princess Wijdan Al-Hashimi, as well as H.E. Dr. Nancy Namrouqa, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, representing the Jordanian Government. Senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps accredited to the Kingdom, representatives of the business community, university professors, media professionals, members of the Mexican community, and distinguished friends of Mexico in Jordan also attended the event. The “Grito de Independencia” ceremony was presided over by Mr. Jacob Prado, Ambassador of Mexico to Jordan. The Mexican flag was presented to the Ambassador by children from the Mexican community in Amman. The “Grito de Independencia,” or “Cry of Independence,” marks the beginning of Mexico’s War of Independence. In the early hours of 16 September 1810, Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla summoned the people of the town of Dolores to rise up against colonial rule, launching the movement for independence with his historic call. Every year on the eve of Independence Day, Mexicans around the world come together to commemorate this historic moment and pay tribute to those who devoted their lives to Mexico’s freedom. The “Grito de Independencia” is celebrated throughout Mexico and by Mexican diplomatic and consular missions around the world. This year, the Embassy in Jordan marked Mexico’s Independence with a Mexican Music Gala featuring renowned Mexican mezzo-soprano María Luisa Tamez, accompanied by acclaimed concert pianist Armando Merino. María Luisa Tamez — Mezzo-Soprano Born in Mexico City into a family of professional singers, María Luisa Tamez is one of Mexico’s most distinguished opera singers, with a career spanning more than 45 years. She has performed on major stages and concert halls across Europe, the Americas, and Asia, working with renowned international orchestras. After three decades as a lyric-spinto and dramatic soprano, she made a remarkable transition to mezzo-soprano, with Carmen becoming one of the defining roles of her career—a role she has performed more than 100 times. In 2025, she was awarded the Medalla Bellas Artes in Music, Mexico’s most important cultural distinction, in recognition of her outstanding artistic career and contribution to Mexican opera. Armando Merino — Concert Pianist Born in Mexico City, Armando Merino is one of Mexico’s most respected and active concert pianists. Throughout his distinguished career, he has performed as a soloist, with orchestras, alongside renowned singers, and as a member of chamber ensembles in Mexico, the United States, and France. He holds degrees from UNAM and the Manhattan School of Music and is currently a Full Professor at UNAM’s Faculty of Music and a member of the prestigious Concert Artists Group of INBAL. His commitment to Mexican music is also reflected in his acclaimed discography, which includes world-premiere recordings of works by some of Mexico’s most important composers. The artists’ participation brought a distinguished musical dimension to the celebration, offering audiences in Jordan an opportunity to experience the richness of Mexico’s musical heritage through a program that brought together works from its popular and classical traditions. The Embassy’s commemoration reflects its commitment to strengthening the longstanding bonds of friendship and understanding between Mexico and Jordan, while fostering cultural exchange and promoting greater appreciation of Mexico’s history, heritage, arts, and cultural identity.

Raniaa halawaniAugust 4, 2026

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United States and Jordan Sign Joint Strategic Objective Agreement

shahennews Today, U.S. Ambassador to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan Jim Holtsnider and Jordanian Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Zeina Toukan signed a four-year bilateral strategic objective agreement that obligates $354.6 million in U.S. foreign assistance to Jordan. This precedent-setting agreement marks a historic milestone in implementing President Trump’s America First foreign assistance agenda. It provides tangible benefits for U.S. firms, promotes U.S. technology and innovation, and ensures accountability to the American people. The agreement places new emphasis on trade and commercial opportunities that benefit American workers and businesses and ensures U.S. foreign assistance is more focused, flexible, and structured to track results and safeguard U.S. taxpayer dollars. This joint agreement also strengthens Jordan by enabling government ministries to conduct critical oversight and fully leverage the skills and ingenuity of the Jordanian people. The multi-year strategic objective document requires mutual agreement on clear objectives, meaningful Jordanian co-investment and ownership, and a defined pathway toward reduced reliance on U.S. support.