NATO’s Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană marked the inauguration of the Military Women’s Training Center in Jordan in a virtual address on 7 June 2021.
“NATO and Jordan have long been the closest of partners. For many years, our armed forces have worked side-by-side”, Mr. Geoană said, “this training centre is playing its own part in bringing security to the people of Jordan and the wider Middle East”.
Her Royal Highness Princess Salma Bint Abdullah, as well as representatives from the Czech Republic and Norway, lead nations of the projects, took part in the ceremony in Amman. Princess Salma made history by becoming the first female jet pilot in the Jordanian Armed Forces.
The Centre, which has been operational since November 2020, supports Jordan’s goal to attain 3% female representation in its armed forces and to offer women wider career opportunities. It provides NATO-standard basic and leadership training up to 550 students a year. The facility also includes living quarters, a kindergarten and a medical clinic.
Norway and the Czech Republic were lead nations of the projects. Other Allies and Partner nations also helped financed the construction of the Centre through NATO’s Trust Fund III for Jordan. Established in 2014, NATO’s Trust Fund III for Jordan focused on enhancing the role of Jordanian servicewomen through policy, infrastructure and training initiatives. NATO’s Support and Procurement Agency, as the project executing agent, oversaw the construction.
Jordan joined NATO’s Mediterranean Dialogue in 1995.