16 November 2022

State visit to Jordan – day 2

On 15–17 November, The King and Queen carried out a three-day state visit to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan at the invitation of HM King Abdullah II. Minister for Foreign Affairs Tobias Billström and State Secretary Diana Janse represented the Swedish Government during the visit. Around 20 Swedish businesses also participated in the programme.

The King and Queen meet the imam from the city's main mosque and a priest from the Church of the Good Shepherd at the Al-Haddadeen steps.

The King and Queen meet the imam from the city's main mosque and a priest from the Church of the Good Shepherd at the Al-Haddadeen steps. Photo: Pontus Lundahl/TT

The aim of the state visit was to reinforce and deepen the links of friendship between Sweden and Jordan. Issues addressed during the visit included increased industry contacts with a focus on trade, investments and economic cooperation, the participation of women and young people in working life, and the refugee situation in Jordan.

Find out about the first day of the state visit here

Find out about the third day of the state visit here

State visit to Jordan – day 2

Industry seminar

The King and Minister Billström began the second day of the state visit by attending an industry seminar arranged by Business Sweden. The aim of the seminar was to increase awareness of the two countries' strengths and opportunities for increased trade and investment. The Crown Prince of Jordan also attended.

The Al-Hussein Society

During the morning, The Queen visited the Al-Hussein Society, where she was welcomed by Princess Majda and Prince Mired. The Al-Hussein Society Al-Hussein Society is an NGO that works with rehabilitation and education for people with reduced physical capacity.

The Queen visits the Al-Hussein Society Center.

The Queen visits the Al-Hussein Society Center. Photo: Pontus Lundahl/TT

The King Hussein Cancer Center

At the King Hussein Cancer Center, The King and Queen then took part in a ceremony to acknowledge the Swedish company Elekta's donation of neurosurgery equipment to the hospital.

The King and Queen visit the King Hussein Cancer Center.

The King and Queen visit the King Hussein Cancer Center. Photo: Pontus Lundahl/TT

The hospital is one of the leading cancer treatment centres in the Middle East. Princess Ghida Talal and Prince Talal bin Muhammad also took part in the visit.

The King and Queen at the salt trading city of As-Salt.

The King and Queen at the salt trading city of As-Salt. Photo: Pontus Lundahl/TT

The World Heritage Site As-Salt

During the afternoon, The King and Queen visited As-Salt, an ancient salt trading city, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021.

The King and Queen during their guided walk in As-Salt.

The King and Queen during their guided walk in As-Salt. Photo: Pontus Lundahl/TT

There, The King and Queen were given a guided walking tour of the local market Al-Hammam and visited the salt museum Abu Jaber House. The King and Queen also met the imam from the city's main mosque and a priest from the Church of the Good Shepherd at the Al-Haddadeen steps.

The local market Al-Hammam.

The local market Al-Hammam. Photo: Pontus Lundahl/TT

The King and Queen at the local market Al-Hammam.

The King and Queen at the local market Al-Hammam. Photo: Pontus Lundahl/TT

Reciprocal reception

In the evening, The King and Queen hosted a reception in Amman for Jordanian guests, during which Swedish chef Paul Svensson served food with a focus on organic, sustainable gastronomy.

The King and Queen arrive at the reciprocal reception.

The King and Queen arrive at the reciprocal reception. Photo: Pontus Lundahl/TT

The Queen at the reciprocal reception.

The Queen at the reciprocal reception. Photo: Pontus Lundahl/TT

Find out about the first day of the state visit.

State visits

A state visit is the highest form of visit between two countries, and involves two heads of state meeting in a ceremonial form to strengthen relations between the two countries.

State visits aim to lay the foundation for strong personal contact and greater political, trade and cultural exchanges between the countries. Government ministers and an industry delegation also take part in state visits.

Find out more about state visits here.