17 November 2022

State visit to Jordan – day 3

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 visit Zaatari refugee camp.

The King and Queen visit Zaatari refugee camp. Photo: Jude Al-Safadi/UNICEF

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

Find out about the second day of the state visit

State visit to Jordan – day 3

Zaatari refugee camp

The final day of the state visit to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan began with a visit to Zaatari refugee camp with State Secretary Diana Janse. Zaatari was established in 2012, and is the largest refugee camp in the Middle East.

The King and Queen during their visit to Zaatari refugee camp.

The King and Queen during their visit to Zaatari refugee camp. Photo: UNHCR

A tour of the refugee camp.

A tour of the refugee camp. Photo: Pontus Lundahl/TT

Zaatari is also the largest of four camps in Jordan for Syrian refugees. The camp is now home to almost 80,000 refugees, and has grown from a small group of tents into a built-up area with 32 schools, eight health facilities and 58 communities.

The Queen with twelve-year-old Wala during her visit to a school at Zaatari refugee camp.

The Queen with twelve-year-old Wala during her visit to a school at Zaatari refugee camp. Photo: UNHCR

Zaatari is operated by bodies including the UNHCR, for which Sweden is an important partner and the largest donor of unearmarked support.

Manara Arts & Culture

The King and Queen then visited Manara Arts & Culture, where they were welcomed by Princess Basma bint Ali. During their visit, The King and Queen took part in a discussion on challenges involving the environment, water supplies and food security, which are faced by Jordan and the wider region. Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) also took part in the discussions.

The King and Queen and State Secretary Diana Janse discuss subjects including water supply, following a lunch at Manara Arts & Culture in Amman.

The King and Queen and State Secretary Diana Janse discuss subjects including water supply, following a lunch at Manara Arts & Culture in Amman. Photo: Pontus Lundahl/TT

The King and Queen arrive at Jordan Museum.

The King and Queen arrive at Jordan Museum. Photo: Pontus Lundahl/TT

Jordan Museum

The programme for the day concluded at Jordan Museum, where The King and Queen were welcomed by the museum's Vice President, Princess Sumaya bint El Hassan. Jordan Museum is a national centre for the dissemination of knowledge about Jordan's history, archaeology and culture.

The King and Queen were given a guided tour of Jordan Museum by Director General Ihab Ammarin.

The King and Queen were given a guided tour of Jordan Museum by Director General Ihab Ammarin. Photo: Pontus Lundahl/TT

Departure ceremony

In the afternoon, the state visit to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan ended with a departure ceremony at Marka Airport.

The departure ceremony at Marka Airport.

The departure ceremony at Marka Airport. Photo: Pontus Lundahl/TT

The departure ceremony at Marka Airport.

The departure ceremony at Marka Airport. Photo: Pontus Lundahl/TT

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.