Global Arab Network | New phase in bilateral relations - EU hails Jordan progress

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New phase in bilateral relations - EU hails Jordan progress

- George Haddad

Monday, 31 May 2010 17:41

Jordan has made impressive progress in its reform programme in recent years, Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Štefan Füle has said as he embarks on his first official visit to Jordan.

During the two-day visit, from 31 June-1 July, Commissioner Füle is scheduled to meet with His Majesty King Abdullah II, Prime Minister Samir Rifai, and members of the cabinet. He will also hold talks with members of the business community and will visit EU-funded projects.

The visit comes two weeks after the release of the European Neighbourhood Policy Country Report on Jordan, which outlined the progress achieved by the country in the implementation of the European Neighbourhood Policy Action Plan in 2009.

In an article posted on his website ahead of the visit, the Commissioner says: “We are about to enter into a new phase in the history of the Jordan and European Union's bilateral relations. Jordan plays an important role in the region as a pole of peace and stability, and in the framework of the European Neighbourhood Policy and the Union for the Mediterranean.”

He said Jordan could count on the EU’s support, adding: “Despite a complex regional context, Jordan has clearly made impressive progress over the last few years. I am confident that the unwavering commitment shown in pursuing the economic reform process will be applied also in the political field.”

Commissioner Füle added that in 2009, the EU and Jordan decided to deepen further this partnership by developing a new ENP Action Plan which would define the framework of our cooperation over the next years. “Moving towards an enhanced relationship stems from the common objective of promoting peace, stability and prosperity and based on the core values the EU and Jordan share.”

A number of agreements are expected to be signed, in addition to the new National Indicative Programme for Jordan covering the years 2011-2013. The National Indicative Programme, which has earmarked €223 million for Jordan, forms the basis of the European Union's financial cooperation with Jordan. It will include a pilot cooperation with the National Energy Research Centre in the field of renewable energy, in addition to a project in support of local development, one of the flagship areas in which the EU has been providing assistance to Jordan in past years.

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