Jordan, Italy discuss future of regional conservation center in Jerash
The meeting, attended by officials from the Ministry of Tourism, the Department of Antiquities, and the center's team, included a review of the second phase of a training program funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation. The initiative will train 15 specialists from the Department of Antiquities, including chemists, geologists, and conservation engineers.
Discussions also covered plans to establish the center as a leading regional hub for restoration and conservation while developing skilled Arab professionals in the field.
"We aim to empower our young trainees to be the foundation of this center's success, transforming it into a global model in partnership with our Italian counterparts," Annab said. "This is just the first step toward a promising future that strengthens Jordan's position in archaeological conservation."
Micheli expressed his deep connection to Jordan and the project, emphasizing the importance of continued training and expanded collaboration with other Italian institutions. "This initiative symbolizes the strong ties between Jordan and Italy," he added.
Following the meeting, Annab toured the center with Micheli, engaging with trainees to hear about their experiences and aspirations for the next phase of the program.
The two sides agreed to develop a long-term plan to sustain and enhance the center's programs, addressing current and future staffing and technical equipment needs.
Established in 2017 under a Jordanian-Italian cooperation agreement, the center launched its training activities through a partnership between the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation and Roma Tre University. The second phase of training is set to begin in April and run through the end of 2025, with plans for a three-year extension.
During a field visit to Jerash, Annab, accompanied by Acting Mayor Adel Al-Zutaymeh and municipal officials, inspected several heritage sites, including the twin pools, the Hussein Al-Kayed house, and Al-Manqal Square. The minister explored opportunities to transform these locations into tourism projects to enhance the city's appeal for both local and international visitors. Petra
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