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The European Union signed a deal on Wednesday to give more than $3 billion to Jordan as part of a new "strategic partnership" to bolster ties in Middle East security and trade.
Jordan's King Abdullah II finalised the agreement in Brussels on Wednesday with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. She said the EU and Jordan were "taking their unique relationship to the next level" at a time of "growing crises" in the Middle East.
The five-point deal calls for an EU-Jordan summit every two years to build political ties, boost co-operation in tackling crime and terrorism, support economic reforms and education in Jordan, and work on "durable solutions" for the displaced Syrians and Palestinians who live there. Jordan hosts more than 700,000 refugees, the second highest per-capita burden in the world after Lebanon.
King Abdullah has repeatedly pressed European leaders to step up peace efforts in the Middle East and offer a way forward for Palestinians. Jordan has previously ruled out taking in more refugees but US President Donald Trump says he told the king that he'd "love for you to take on more".
"Jordan is a key partner for Europe in the Middle East and the Mediterranean, serving as a pillar of regional stability," Ms von der Leyen said. She said it had shown "leadership in supporting Syria's transition" after the fall of Bashar Al Assad's regime that "highlights its pivotal role in shaping the region's future".
Jordan's Royal Hashemite Court said the deal "confirms the importance of the partnership between Jordan and the European Union, and is an appreciation of the kingdom’s role in seeking to achieve peace and stability in the region". It was officially signed by Jordan's Minister of Planning and International Co-operation Zeina Touqan, with Crown Prince Hussein also in attendance.
The financial package will consist of $1.46 billion in investment, $1.04 billion in loans and $665.4 million in grants, the commission said. It said the partnership would "open up further avenues for investments and enhance business opportunities for European companies" by promoting stability.
"The EU is showing its commitment to support Jordan in navigating the current geopolitical challenges, pursuing reforms that drive growth and societal progress, and attracting more investments to strengthen its economy," Ms von der Leyen said. "This is my message to King Abdullah II and the people of Jordan today: Europe deeply values this partnership."
Economic plans include promoting clean energy and digital technology, and creating jobs in Jordan, the commission said. It said the EU would continue to support the Jordanian Armed Forces through a budget called the European Peace Facility, which pays for arms shipments to Ukraine.
