(MENAFN- Jordan News Agency)
Amman, Feb. 14 (Petra)- Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Ayman Safadi, and his US counterpart, Rex Tillerson, signed Wednesday a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the strategic partnership between the two friendly countries.
According to the agreement, the United States will provide at least $1 billion and 275 million annually to the Kingdom for a period of five years.
During the ceremony, the two ministers discussed ways to foster bilateral ties and developments in the region, especially those related to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, Syria and the joint war against terrorism.
In a joint press conference, Safadi said that Secretary Tillerson's visit and its outcomes underscore the strength of Jordanian-US friendship, which has steadily been growing over seven decades of cooperation and coordination.
Safadi pointed out this accord is the third memorandum of understanding penned by the two friendly countries, but the first bilateral aid agreement signed by the administration of President Donald Trump, and provides an aid increase of 275 million dollars compared to the previous MoUs, which covered only three years.
"This support will greatly help the Kingdom to face economic challenges, to implement economic reform programs, to boost our development projects and enhance our defense capabilities," Safadi said, expressing the Kingdom's gratitude to the United States for its unwavering support.
Safadi appreciated the strong ties of friendship and partnership between the two countries, stressing the Kingdom's keenness to continue working with the United States to serve the common interests and to achieve security, stability and peace in the region.
In turn, Secretary Tillerson said the increase in the level of mutual foreign aid to Jordan indicates the continued commitment of the United States to the Jordanian-US partnership, and help alleviate the impact of regional crises on the Kingdom, including repercussions of the Syrian refugee plight.
He lauded the role played by the Kingdom under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II on the peace process in the region, and added the King has always been at the forefront of efforts to combat terrorism.
He also praised Jordan's effective role in the endeavors of the international coalition to phase out Daesh terror gang.
AG
More to follow...
14/2/2018 - 03:51:32 PM
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