The UK Foreign Affairs Secretary, James Cleverly, started Thursday an official visit to Jordan on developing UK-Jordanian collaboration on regional and international challenges, economic cooperation and humanitarian aid. According to a UK embassy statement, the visit aims to strengthen the “vital strategic partnership between the UK and Jordan, building on over 100 years of friendship.” During the visit, Cleverly met with His Majesty King Abdullah II and the Foreign Minister, Ayman Safadi, to discuss the UK-Jordan strategic partnership and advancing bilateral, regional security and trade cooperation. He met UNHCR and WFP Country Directors to underline the UK commitment to supporting Jordan in hosting refugees and discuss efforts to find sustainable solutions. He announced an additional £30 million over three years starting in 2024 to provide cash assistance to refugees. Cleverly met with the Minister of Social Development, Wafa Bani Mustafa, and representatives of Civil Society and Women’s Rights Organisations to launch a new Civil Society Partnership on Women, Peace and Security. He highlighted the UK’s international Women and Girls Strategy and the importance of inclusion for Jordan’s future prosperity and security. He announced £1.5 million to support Jordanian civil society organisations delivering Jordan’s second National Action Plan for Women, Peace and Security. He met Jordanian and refugee women who benefited from the UK’s skills and inclusion interventions, focusing on retail, hospitality and tourism skills. Cleverly met recipients of UK support to the Government of Jordan and World Bank’s Youth, Tech and Jobs programme and organisations and businesses committed to the economic empowerment and inclusion of marginalised groups. Cleverly said, “I was delighted to return to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, this time as the United Kingdom’s Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs. “I enjoyed discussing how we can grow our dynamic partnership as we work together on issues like regional stability and economic development. “Jordan has shown remarkable generosity in its welcome to refugees from around the region. The UK remains committed to supporting refugees and host communities in Jordan. “We are committing £30 million starting from next year over the next three years in cash assistance as we help to secure better futures for the most vulnerable people.”
Source: Jordan News Agency