Although Jordan and the Netherlands are separated by thousands of kilometres, Al-Kadi sees more similarities than differences. ‘We may be far apart in distance, but we are very close when it comes to our values, our principles and many of our positions.’

For Kloth, the relationship is remarkable because it touches so many different areas. ‘It is a strong partnership between Jordan and the Netherlands. Of course, the close ties between our two royal families make it very special. But what I appreciate most as ambassador in Jordan is how diverse our relationship is.’

If there is one area that best illustrates how the partnership has evolved, it is water. The Netherlands has spent centuries learning how to keep water out, while Jordan is one of the most water-scarce countries in the world. Yet both ambassadors see that contrast as one of the partnership's greatest strengths.

The Netherlands supports Jordan through long-term investment and knowledge exchange. Jordan’s National Water Conveyor, one of the country’s largest water projects, will desalinate water in Aqaba before transporting it to Amman, and is supported by the Netherlands. Experts from both countries also work together on irrigation, climate resilience and improving water access for refugee communities.

But exchange goes both ways. As the Netherlands experiences heavier bursts of rainfall linked to climate change, Dutch experts are looking at how Jordan has managed scarce water resources for decades. ‘When it rains in the Netherlands, it often rains heavily in a short period of time,’ Kloth says. ‘The question is how we keep that water. That is something Jordan has been thinking about for a long time.’

As the conversation continues, both ambassadors return to one theme again and again: the close relationship between the Dutch and Jordanian royal families.

‘The relationship between our royal families is built on history and mutual respect,’ Kloth says. ‘In many ways, it forms the foundation of our bilateral relationship. Our job is to translate that relationship into concrete cooperation, whether that is on water, humanitarian assistance or political dialogue.’

Al-Kadi agrees: ‘It is at the heart of the relationship between Jordan and the Netherlands. It inspires us in our work as diplomats.’

Asked whether those royal ties make diplomacy easier, both ambassadors smile warmly before answering almost at the same time: ‘Definitely.’

Ambassador Al-Kadi believes the next chapter of the relationship will depend on creating opportunities for the next generation and our youth. With one of the youngest populations in the region, Jordan is home to a growing number of talented entrepreneurs and public servants.

Through programmes such as Orange Corners, the Netherlands supports young entrepreneurs as they build their businesses. Shiraka gives young civil servants the opportunity to gain experience abroad and strengthen professional networks.

‘If you invest in young people, you invest in the future of the relationship itself,’ Kloth says. ‘Whenever I meet alumni from these programmes, I tell them: 'You are ambassadors for the Netherlands in Jordan now.’
 

The investment in young people is not limited to classrooms or offices. Kloth points to the KNVB WorldCoaches programme, which uses football to teach leadership and teamwork.

‘It is about much more than football,’ she says. ‘It helps young people develop skills that will stay with them throughout their lives.’
Jordan's first appearance at the FIFA World Cup has inspired a new generation of supporters, Al-Kadi says, while Dutch football has long had a loyal following in the Kingdom.

‘The Oranje are very well known in Jordan. And since the Dutch invented Total Football, maybe together we can create 'Total Diplomacy', where every challenge is treated as though it were our own.’