US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said on Friday that the memorandum of understanding signed between Jordan and the United States, which included Washington’s provision of about $10.15 billion over the next 7 years, to the kingdom, is “a testament to the strength of the relationship” between the two countries.

Blinken said during a joint press conference in Washington with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Ayman Safadi, that “this memorandum of understanding that we have just signed is a testament to the strength of the relationship between Jordan and the United States, and it reflects the common interest in a more stable, secure and prosperous Middle East.”

He added, “(The Memorandum of Understanding) also reflects our commitment to deepening the partnership between the two governments and peoples in achieving this goal.”

This is the fourth memorandum of understanding “on the strategic partnership signed by two countries since 2010, and it covers the longest period of time among the four agreements and provides more assistance than all its predecessors,” according to Blinken.

He said that the memorandum “supports” the main reforms initiated by the Jordanian government by “focusing on improving the lives of Jordanians in tangible forms and means, reforms such as improving basic public services, dealing with the water crisis exacerbated by climate change, and expanding economic opportunities so that all Jordanians, including women and the groups that They did not receive enough services to be able to achieve their goals.”

He considered that “such ambitious reforms take time and require courage to implement, and after signing this agreement today, which provides more than one billion dollars in aid every year for a period of 7 years, Jordanians can feel that they can count on the support of the United States to support them and make these reforms a reality.” “.

And the memorandum of understanding “represents an investment in Jordan’s exceptional leadership in regional and global challenges,” according to Blinken, who said that Jordan provided “a refuge for all those displaced from regional crises … which was confirmed and witnessed recently in the sympathy shown by the Jordanian government and people for the Syrians in addition to humanitarian support and access to care.” With regard to health, Syrian refugees in Jordan have access to work and study opportunities, which are necessary so that they can live in dignity and stability.”

He continued: “Hosting this large number of refugees requires a lot from Jordan, especially with the country’s exit from the Corona pandemic, but the government and people of Jordan did not turn their backs on the Syrian refugees, but rather embraced them, and while providing this important support, the United States is also doing the same, which is what was stated in the previous announcement. This week, there is an additional $756 million in aid for the needy Syrians, including those in Jordan.

(The kingdom)