Jordan, US sign 5 grant agreements

Jordan and the United States have signed 5 grant agreements worth $356.9 million within the US 2012 regular economic aid program to support the general budget and a number of development sectors. Jordanian Planning and International Cooperation Minister Jafar Hassan signed the grant agreements with US Ambassador to Jordan Stuart Jones and USAID Mission Director Beth Paige. Hassan stressed the importance of the grants in supporting the budget, enhancing development programs, improving citizens' quality of life and expanding economic opportunities. The US ambassador said the grants reflect a strong commitment of the US people towards Jordan's to enable it to overcome development challenges. The grants will be used to support the sectors of education, health, governance and water. The planning minister the total US economic support to Jordan during 2012 will reach around $477 million, $284 million of which will directly support the state budget.