Jordan, UK discuss outcomes of London initiative, economic reforms

AMMAN — Minister of Planning and International Cooperation and State Minister for Economic Affairs Mohamad Al-Ississ on Sunday met with Andrew Murrison, UK Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Department for International Development, to follow up on the outcomes of the London initiative.

Murrison’s visit to Amman is the first overseas trip he has made since his arrival in office, a statement issued by the British embassy in Jordan said.

The two officials tackled Jordan’s economic reforms in accordance with the five-year plan to enhance growth, self-sufficiency, investment and employment, according to a statement by the Planning Ministry.

The ministers also discussed ways of furthering bilateral relations between Jordan and the UK and the region’s status quo.

Al-Ississ provided Murrison with updates on Jordan’s economic status, the efforts being made to boost growth and employment and the Kingdom’s priorities in the coming phase, the statement said.

He expressed appreciation for the UK’s continuous support to Jordan, both directly and via the initiative, in overcoming the challenges imposed by regional instability on the economy and the burdens of the refugee crisis.

To that effect, the ambassador said that “the UK remains committed to our mutual long-term security, stability and prosperity through the UK-Jordan Partnership, just as it remains committed to a two-state solution with Jerusalem as a shared capital”.

Murrison expressed understanding towards the current obstacles facing Jordan and reaffirmed his country’s support for the Kingdom on various international fronts.

He also expressed admiration for the ability of Jordan and its economy to handle external challenges.

“Visiting Jordan was an important opportunity for me to personally hear about the progress that has taken place since the London conference and discuss the next steps for our partnership,” the ambassador said in the statement.

The meeting was attended by the British Ambassador to Jordan Edward Oakden and Zeina Toukan, secretary general of the Planning Ministry.

Earlier, Murrison visited a UK-funded programme supporting refugees and vulnerable communities with legal assistance.

The British minister later met with UNRWA Director in Jordan Mohammad Adar, the embassy statement said, and discussed the challenges facing the agency and ways to further support the relationship between the UK and UNRWA.

The London initiative 2019 was held in February under the banner of “Jordan Growth and Opportunity”.

It aimed at enhancing economic growth and reform in Jordan and boosting employment capacities across the Kingdom’s sectors.

As part of the initiative, a number of countries and institutions have pledged funds to support Jordan as it tackles the aforementioned challenges.