Fakhoury, US officials discuss renewal, increase of aid

AMMAN  — Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Imad Fakhoury on Wednesday discussed US financial support for the year 2018 with senior US officials and congress members, a statement from the Planning Ministry said. 

Fakhoury also discussed the establishment of the roadmap for the renewal of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two countries for the years 2018-2022, which governs the economic and military support.

In a press release published after his return from Washington, Fakhoury said he held talks with senior officials from the US administration, including the White House, the State Department and the Ministry of Finance and members of the Committee on Appropriations in the House of Representatives and the Senate, the statement said.

The minister stressed the importance of increasing aid to Jordan for the coming period compared to the current MoU, which ends this year and includes annual assistance of $1billion for the period 2015-2017.

He cited Jordan's “pivotal role”, the challenges facing the Kingdom and the burdens of the unprecedented instability in the region as reasons for an increase.

The MoU aims to support Jordan's reform and development efforts for the next five years, especially to support the implementation of the recently approved economic growth stimulation plan 2018-2022, according to the statement. 

Fakhoury expressed Jordan's appreciation for the people and government of the US for their support to the Kingdom, including the $1.3 billion aid package recently approved by the Congress for 2017, of which the $812.35 million in economic aid includes $475 million as a cash grant to support the public budget. 

He stressed the importance of the US economic assistance in supporting national reform, development programmes and contributing to alleviating the financial burdens resulting from the Syrian crisis by supporting the Jordan Response Plan and the implementation of the Jordan Compact.

The minister also stressed the “distinguished relations” between the two countries in various fields, reflecting their strategic partnership and the continuous efforts of His Majesty King Abdullah to enhance bilateral cooperation.

He outlined the Kingdom’s “vital rol under the leadership of the King in making Jordan a model country”, through a comprehensive and gradual reform approach and in enhancing security, stability and peace in the region and the world, the statement said.

Fakhoury briefed the US side on the challenges facing Jordan, including the consequences of hosting Syrian refugees. 

For their part, senior US officials stressed the continued support of their country for Jordan and its stability, as well as the continuity of aid through the renewal of the MoU, according to Fakhoury.

They stressed the importance of enhancing the Kingdom's resilience and its approach in dealing with the refugees.