President of the University of Jordan (UJ), Prof. Ekhleif Tarawneh received in his office on Sunday the President of the University of Palermo, a national university in Italy, Prof. Roberto Lagalla.

During the meeting, Prof. Tarawneh examined establishing a Medical school at UJ's Aqaba branch in collaboration with Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) and the Royal Medical Services.

"UJ strategy maps out our future directions to expand on all levels, however the financial situation prevents meeting those objectives”, President Tarawneh Said, adding that such situation calls for combining development and economic efforts to support the branch in its quest to develop the educational environment in Aqaba.

Tarawneh stressed that UJ plans to attract more international joint programs to open new academic horizons for faculty and students, develop education in Jordan and supply the local and international markets with talented, trained and qualified personnel.

Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) Chief Commissioner, Kamel Mahadin said ASEZA wishes to establish a unit for education and health affairs to support the establishment of the Faculty and provide all facilities to overcome any obstacles or challenges.

Mahadin added that the Director of Royal Medical Services has agreed to allocate Prince Hashim hospital as the teaching hospital of the faculty.

Mahadin confirmed ASEZA’s interests in developing education and health in the zone to maximize investment opportunities in the economic, tourism, industry and service sectors.

From his part, President of UJ’s branch in Aqaba, Prof. Hani Dmour pointed out that the action plans of the branch pays special attention to harmony between the programs, needs and development plans of the city and the Arab and regional communities, to provide a competing and high quality service, develop creative solutions and outstanding services in line with the rapid changes in the economic and investment, tourism and education structure of the city of Aqaba.

Dmour revealed that the three parties (UJ, University of Palermo and ASEZA) are to sign an agreement in the Aqaba branch. Also, the three parties will form a committee to define matters related to the establishment of the college.

From his part, Lagalla commended the reputation of the University of Jordan among its peers in Jordan and the region, stressing the need to activate joint cooperation between the two universities for the benefit of the two peoples.

The two sides, UJ and Palermo, have signed a cooperation agreement as a first step towards the desired cooperation.

 The agreement aimed at the establishment of joint scientific programs, courses and short-term trainings, in addition to student and faculty exchange programs.