President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. and His Majesty King Abdullah II met today in Jeddah and reaffirmed the enduring strength of the strategic friendship between the United States and Jordan. The meeting took place during the summit of the leaders of the United States, members of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Egypt, Iraq and Jordan.
The two leaders discussed efforts to advance the close and historic partnership between the United States and Jordan, and coordination to address regional and international challenges. They noted the political and economic value of regional integration, for which Jordan can serve as an important hub for cooperation and investment in infrastructure, energy, water, food security and climate. The President highlighted the importance of the trilateral cooperation mechanism with Egypt and Iraq as an example of positive regional collaboration.
President Biden has announced the intention of the United States to enter into a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for assistance to Jordan, in which the United States plans to commit to support the provision of at least $1.45 billion a year in US bilateral agreements. foreign assistance to Jordan, beginning in fiscal year 2023 and ending in fiscal year 2029. One of the most significant such bilateral instruments, the memorandum of understanding represents a U.S. political commitment major contribution to the stability of Jordan and the sustainability of the partnership. The Memorandum of Understanding is designed to meet the extraordinary needs of Jordan, supports King Abdullah II’s economic reform agenda, and ensures the long-term strength of the close partnership between the United States and Jordan.
King Abdullah II thanked the President for the friendship and continued US support for Jordan. He stressed the importance of this support for the Kingdom’s economic reform plans, its efforts to achieve more sustainable economic growth and to mitigate the impact of regional crises.
President Biden reaffirmed the United States’ unwavering support for Jordan as a key ally and force for peace in the region, and for the leadership of King Abdullah II.
King Abdullah II underlined the crucial role of the United States in efforts to support regional security, stability, peace and prosperity.
President Biden and King Abdullah II underscored the strong defense partnership between the two countries and reiterated their commitment to their partnership in the fight against terrorism, including through cooperation within the Global Coalition to Defeat Terrorism. Islamic State and the Aqaba Process.
The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to continue working for a just, lasting and comprehensive peace between Israel and the Palestinians on the basis of the two-state solution. They stressed the importance of fostering political and economic horizons through confidence-building measures that would lay the groundwork for meaningful negotiations between the Palestinians and Israel. They also stressed the importance of including Palestinians in regional cooperation projects. Both leaders stressed the need to maintain the historic status quo in Jerusalem’s holy sites, and the President highlighted the key role of the Hashemite Custody in this regard. King Abdullah II also expressed his gratitude for the support of the United States to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
Recalling United Nations General Assembly resolutions ES-11/1 and ES-11/2, of 2 and 24 March respectively, calling on the Russian Federation to immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw all its military forces from the territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and unity of Ukraine. They condemned violations of international humanitarian law and human rights violations in conflict areas, calling for respect for international humanitarian law. The leaders also confirmed their intention to increase cooperation to counter the impact of the conflict in Ukraine on global food and energy security.
President Biden and King Abdullah II stressed the need to find a political solution to the Syrian crisis, in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolution 2254 (2015). President Biden has welcomed Jordan’s hosting of Syrian refugees. His Majesty thanked the President for the continued support of the United States in assisting Jordan in its efforts to meet the needs of the refugees. Both leaders called for sufficient international support for refugees and host countries.
Both leaders underscored Iraq’s commitment to stability and security, and the need to protect the significant progress the country has made towards peace and stability.
The two leaders intend to remain in close consultation and further develop the deep friendship between the United States and Jordan.
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