On Monday (July 1 2019), the Secretary of State visited UK aid
funded programmes and met with Jordan’s Prime Minister Dr Omar
Razzaz.
He was given a tour of one of the country’s largest solar power
field, Solar Power One, which is helping the country move away
from dependence on expensive and polluting fossil fuels.
The visitor also spoke to families in Za’atari refugee camp who
had been forced to flee their homes in Syria during the war.
While there, he was shown how UK-made iris scanning technology
was improving the efficiency of a cash support programme so
refugees can shop for a large variety of goods, which brings a
sense of normality and dignity to their life.
The Department for International Development has pledged to give
£55 million to support refugees in Jordan over three years. This
will provide financial assistance to 22,000 of the most
vulnerable refugees caught up in the protracted crisis. The UK
aid support is helping to create stability in the wider region.
During his meeting with Dr Razzaz, the International Development
Secretary reaffirmed the importance of the UK-Jordan Partnership
announced by Prime Minister in November 2017. This involves
the UK supporting Jordan’s ambitious programme of reforms,
including on its economy and energy sector.
International Development Secretary said of his first overseas
visit in his role:
“I can think of no better example than Jordan anywhere in the
world where Britain is working so well with another country. It’s
the work we do with refugees that I saw in Za’atari camp. It’s
about helping Jordan’s economy grow and young unemployed
Jordanians find work. It’s about helping create security and
stability in one of the most fragile regions of the world.
“Then there’s the work we are funding around tackling climate
change, including the solar farm I saw, which is helping to drive
growth in a country which is trying to move away from fossil
fuels and become a world leader in green, renewable energy
“Jordan has made these impressive reforms whilst on the frontline
of tackling the Syria crisis, showing immense generosity by
hosting millions of Syrian refugees. We will continue to support
Jordan, which remains a critical friend and important ally that
is vital for regional stability.
“The British public should be proud of our partnership with
Jordan. We are helping create prosperity, stability and a cleaner
climate in Jordan, which will benefit the wider region, and
ultimately the UK as well.”
The Secretary of State’s visit follows the Jordan: Growth and
Prosperity Conference in London in February, which rallied the
international community behind Jordan’s own ambitious plans for
economic growth. It also made a breadth of UK expertise available
to the Government of Jordan to support their plan for
wide-ranging reforms.
During his visit this week The International Development
Secretary also met with Hala Zawati, Minister of Energy, and Dr
Mohamad Al Ississ, Minister for Planning and International
Coordination, and Minister of State for Economic Affairs.
Before arriving in Jordan he also attended the Abu Dhabi Climate
Meeting.
