AMMAN — US President Joe Biden, following a meeting
with His Majesty King Abdullah on Saturday in Jeddah, announced his country’s
intention to enter into a new memorandum of understanding for assistance to
Jordan, in which the US supports Jordan with no less than $1.45 billion annually
between the years 2023 and 2029, according to a Royal Court statement.
اضافة اعلان
A joint
statement released following the meeting of the two leaders on the sidelines of
the Jeddah Security and Development Summit said the memo reflects the US’
political commitment to Jordan’s stability and to the durability of the
partnership between the two countries, as it addresses Jordan’s needs and
supports the Kingdom’s economic reform program.
His Majesty and
President Biden reaffirmed the enduring strength of the strategic friendship
between the US and Jordan, with President Biden highlighting Jordan’s
capability to serve as an important hub for cooperation and investment in
infrastructure, energy, water, food security and climate.
President Biden
reaffirmed the US’ unwavering support to Jordan as a key ally and a force for
peace in the region, and for the King’s leadership.
The two leaders
reiterated their commitment towards continuing to work toward reaching just and
comprehensive peace between Israel and the Palestinians, on the basis of the
two-state solution, stressing the need to maintain the historical status quo in
the holy sites in Jerusalem.
In addition,
President Biden highlighted the important role of the Hashemite Custodianship,
while the King commended the US’ support for UNRWA.
The two leaders
emphasized commitment to supporting the stability and security of Iraq, and the
need to find a political solution to the crisis in Syria.
Following is the
full text of joint statement:
“President
Joseph R. Biden, Jr. and His Majesty King Abdullah met today in Jeddah and
reaffirmed the enduring strength of the strategic friendship between the US and
Jordan. The meeting took place during the Summit of the leaders of the US, the
GCC members, Egypt, Iraq, and Jordan.
The two leaders
discussed efforts to further advance the close and historic partnership between
the US and Jordan, and coordination in addressing regional and international
challenges. They noted the political and economic value of regional
integration, for which Jordan can serve as an important hub for cooperation and
investment in infrastructure, energy, water, food security, and climate. The
president noted the importance of the trilateral cooperation mechanism with
Egypt and Iraq as an example of positive regional collaboration.
President Biden
announced the intention of the US to enter into a new memorandum of
understanding for assistance for Jordan, in which the US plans to make a
commitment to support the provision of no less than $1.45 billion per year in US
bilateral foreign assistance to Jordan, beginning in FY 2023 and ending in FY
2029. One of the most significant bilateral instruments of its kind, the memo
represents a major US political commitment to Jordan’s stability and the
durability of the partnership. The memo is designed to address Jordan’s
extraordinary needs, supports King Abdullah’s economic reform program, and
ensure the long-term strength of the close partnership between the US and
Jordan.
King Abdullah
thanked the president for the US’ friendship and continued support for Jordan.
He stressed the importance of this support to the Kingdom’s economic reform
plans, its efforts to realize more sustainable economic growth, and to mitigate
the impact of regional crises.
President Biden
reaffirmed the US’ unwavering support to Jordan as a key ally and a force for
peace in the region, and for King Abdullah’s leadership.
King Abdullah
underlined the crucial role of the US in efforts to support regional security,
stability, peace and prosperity.
President Biden
and King Abdullah highlighted the strong defense partnership between the two
countries, and reiterated commitment to their partnership in the fight against
terrorism, including through cooperation within the Global Coalition to Defeat
ISIS and the Aqaba Process.
The two leaders
reaffirmed their commitment to continue working for a just, lasting and
comprehensive peace between Israel and the Palestinians on the basis of the
two-state solution. They stressed the importance of fostering political and
economic horizons through confidence-building measures that would set the
ground for meaningful Palestinians-Israeli negotiations. The also emphasized
the importance of including the Palestinians in regional cooperation projects.
The two leaders stressed the necessity of upholding the historic status quo in
Jerusalem’s holy sites, and the President underlined the key role of the
Hashemite Custodianship in that regard. King Abdullah also expressed
appreciation for US support to UNRWA.
Recalling UN
General Assembly resolutions ES-11/1 and ES-11/2, on March 2 and March 24,
respectively, demanding the Russian Federation to immediately, completely and
unconditionally withdraw all of its military forces from the territory of
Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders, the two leaders
reaffirmed their commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial
integrity and unity of Ukraine. They condemned violations of international
humanitarian law and violations of human rights in areas of conflict, calling
for abiding by international humanitarian law. The leaders also confirmed their
intention to increase cooperation to counter the impact of the conflict in
Ukraine on global food and energy security.
President Biden
and King Abdullah stressed the need to find a political solution to the Syrian
crisis, consistent with UN Security Council Resolution 2254 (2015). President
Biden expressed appreciation for Jordan’s hosting of Syrian refugees. His
Majesty thanked the president for continued US support to help Jordan in its
efforts to meet the needs of refugees. The two leaders urged sufficient
international support to refugees and host countries.
The two leaders
emphasized commitment to the stability and security of Iraq, and the need to
protect the significant progress the country has made towards peace and
stability.
The two leaders intend
to remain in close consultation and further develop the deep friendship between
the US and Jordan.”
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