Amman (May 5, 2020) – On May 5th 2020, Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Wissam Rabadi and United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission Director Dr. Jim Barnhart from the U.S. Embassy in Amman signed development assistance agreements between the United States and Jordan totaling 340 million dollars. The signing was witnessed by U. S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Karen Sasahara. The agreements reflect the unwavering commitment of the United States to Jordan’s prosperity and self-reliance.
“The United States and Jordan have a deep and productive partnership that endures even in the face of the unprecedented challenges our countries face today,” said Chargé Sasahara. “The American people remain committed to assisting Jordan with both its immediate needs and with advancing the Government of Jordan’s vision for the long-term stability and prosperity of the country.”
Through U.S. government support, infant and child mortality in Jordan has dropped by over 40 percent in the last 20 years, the Princess Rahma Pediatric Hospital expansion extended its capacity to treat children by 35 percent, and the soon to be completed upgrade of Al Bashir Hospital emergency department will provide lifesaving services for 50,000 patients a month. Millions of Jordanians have increased access to drinking water, thousands of children have improved learning environments through construction and refurbishment of 250 schools throughout the country, and over 40 e-services are enabling more efficient, transparent, and responsive service delivery. A nationally-certified on-the-job training program in more than 30 hotels across Jordan has given over 1,300 youth the skills they need to get a job, advance their careers, and contribute to rebuilding Jordan’s tourism sector when the current COVID-19 crisis abates.
The $340 million in development assistance is part of $1.085 billion appropriated by the U.S. Congress to Jordan through USAID in the FY 2019 budget. This assistance includes a $745 million cash transfer to support Jordan’s budget, signed in December 2019. The agreements outline how USAID will use the $340 million in development assistance to help Jordan’s economic recovery, advance accountable governance, generate opportunities for women and youth, and deliver crucial health, education, and water services.
The U.S. economic assistance program to Jordan is the largest in the world. The United States government, through USAID, has provided foreign assistance from the American people to Jordan for nearly 70 years.
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