1st meeting of EU-Jordan task force

The first meeting of the EU-Jordan Task Force will take place at the King Hussein Centre at the Dead Sea in Jordan on Wednesday to demonstrate the EU's determination to accompany Jordan on its process of democratic reforms, according to a statement released here today by the EU. It will be co-chaired by Catherine Ashton, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and Jordanian Prime Minister Awn Khasawneh. "Jordan is committed to pursuing a sustained pace of reforms which are vital for the consolidation of the institutions, deepening democracy and the rule of law. 2012 will be crucial to consolidate ambitious reforms," said Catherine Ashton ahead of the meeting. The EU-Jordan Task Force is the second task force in the Southern Mediterranean since the Arab Spring began, with the first held in Tunis in September 2011. The meeting of the Task Force in Jordan will be preceded by special sessions with civil society, political parties and business representatives on Tuesday.