U.S. and Jordan Sign Memorandum of Understanding

U.S. and Jordan Sign Memorandum of Understanding

The United States and Jordan recently signed their fourth Memorandum of Understanding on Strategic Partnership. Under its terms, the United States will provide $1.45 billion per year in foreign assistance to Jordan for the next seven years. The MOU will support key reforms led by King Abdullah’s government, including tackling the water crisis and expanding economic opportunities.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken called the memorandum “One of the most significant bilateral instruments of its kind,” demonstrating the United States’ “commitment to Jordan’s stability.” He added that this MOU comes at a critical juncture, as the government of Jordan is implementing key reforms to strengthen its economy and enhance services to its people:

“So, this memorandum of understanding that we’ve just signed is a testament to the strength of the relationship between Jordan and the United States. It reflects a shared interest in a more stable, safe, and prosperous Middle East, and our commitment to deepen the partnership between our governments and between our peoples to help achieve that goal.”

Jordan has demonstrated exceptional leadership on regional and global challenges, said Secretary Blinken, by offering refuge to people displaced by regional conflicts and other crises, most recently to those fleeing the war in Syria. In addition to humanitarian support and access to health care, Syrian refugees in Jordan also have opportunities to work and to study.

As the Jordanian government continues providing this vital support, “so will the United States as reflected in our announcement. . .of an additional $756 million in humanitarian assistance for Syrians in need, including those in Jordan,” said Secretary Blinken.

Jordan’s armed forces have long been a key ally in the fight against terrorism, including as a member of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS. And its military is stepping up to counter new threats like combating narcotics trafficking across the country’s northern border. To meet these challenges, the MOU provides funding to modernize Jordan’s military.

This MOU reflects the United States and Jordan’s shared interest in a more stable, safe, and prosperous Middle East, and a commitment to deepen the partnership between both governments and peoples to help achieve that goal.