Under the patronage of His Royal Highnesses Prince El Hassan Bin Talal and  Her Royal Highness Princess Sumaya Bint El Hassan, the signing of (PRIMA) agreement between the government of Jordan represented by HE. Dr. Khaled El Shuraydeh the Secretary General of the Higher Council for Science and Technology, and the European Union represented by Maria Cristina Russo ,Director- General for Research and Innovation of the European Commission, with the attendance of Mr. Margus Rava Ambassador of the Republic of Estonia and Mr. Carlos Moedas  the European Commissioner for Science, Research and Innovation, took place during the closing ceremony of the World Science Forum at the Dead Sea November 10th 2017.

Over the last years, growing awareness of the challenges related to agro-food systems and water resources in the Mediterranean area has induced EU member states and Southern and Eastern Mediterranean Countries to work together on several common research initiatives.

These initiatives have achieved important results, allowing the creation of strong networks of excellent scientists from both shores of the Mediterranean with a diverse background, and reinforcing mutual trust among participating countries.

Another ten years of Partnership on Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) has been initiated with the main objective to create new Research and innovation approaches to improve water availability and sustainable agriculture production in a region heavily distressed by climate change, urbanization and population growth.  This partnership is based on three principles namely co-funding, co-decision and co-ownership.

Currently there are 19 countries participating in bi-regional program PRIMA; 11 EU member states and 8 MPCs, and it is expected that more participants from both sides will follow as the initiative grows over time.

This partnership will be financed through a combination of funding currently € 274 million from participating countries matched by €220 million from the EU through Horizon 2020 research and innovation funding program (2014-2020).

Jordan with Italy spearheaded the initiative since its inception in 2012 and co-chaired PRIMA general assembly, and Jordan has always shown full commitment to it, and will continue to support and actively participate in its activities.