Fakhoury, Haley discuss cooperation

AMMAN – Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Imad Fakhoury on Monday met US ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley, and discussed bilateral cooperation and challenges facing Jordan in the light of the regional situation. 

At a meeting on Monday, the two sides highlighted the “distinguished” relationship between Jordan and the US at all levels. 

Citing the “continuous” US support to Jordan, Fakhoury underlined the “huge” impact of this support on the Kingdom’s development process and ability to turn “challenges into opportunities”. 

On the other hand, he underlined the need for the international community to increase its assistance and grants to Jordan to meet its priorities outlined in the 2017-2019 Response Plan, according to a statement received by The Jordan Times. 

The minister highlighted efforts under way, in cooperation with the International Monetary Fund ,to “transform challenges into opportunities” through maintaining macroeconomic and financial stability, citing the development and implementation of the Jordanian Economic Growth Stimulus Programme (2018-2022), based on the Jordan 2025 blueprint.

The minister outlined the major areas of reform laid out by the Royal Committee for Developing the Judiciary and Enhancing the Rule of Law, as well as the continuation of political reform, including strategies for developing human resources, employment and infrastructure (water, energy, transport), combating poverty, increasing social protection and the digital transformation, as well as implementing capital expenditure programmes through public-private partnerships, he said.

Haley voiced the US’ appreciation for Jordan and its people for the “pivotal” role the Kingdom is playing in the region under His Majesty King Abdullah’s leadership, saying that the economic and political reforms have made Jordan a regional “model”. 

She also highlighted her country’s understanding of the burdens the Kingdom is enduring in light of the huge influx of Syrian refugees and its effects on the national economy, according to the statement.