Jordan's Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, Zeina Toukan, and USAID Mission Director Leslie Reed signed another $845 million grant agreement to support Jordan's budget , Jordanian media reported .

The grant agreement is reportedly part of the annual US economic assistance program for the Jordanian government. This agreement was included in the general budget law for 2023 as part of the strategic memorandum of understanding signed in September 2022 for a period of seven years.

The Jordanian minister expressed gratitude for the support that will help support the government's efforts to implement the "roadmap" for economic reforms and modernization of the public sector within the framework of the 2023-25 ​​economic modernization program.

The amount of annual and regular monetary assistance will be directed to the implementation of priority programs and initiatives in the fields of public finance, water resources, energy, education, health, housing construction and tourism.

"This support will help reduce the overall budget deficit, " said the Jordanian minister. He added that the amount of American aid for seven years is expected to reach about 10 billion dollars.

In turn, US Ambassador to Jordan Yael Lamberta said: "The aid provided to Amman shows America's deep and strong commitment to Jordan. "

The aid , he said, "will support domestic reforms aimed at achieving the ambitious goals of creating jobs, ensuring a stable financial base, strengthening the private sector as a key driver of the economy, and combating the water crisis that is worsening due to climate change."

Earlier, Jordan asked Washington to deploy additional Patriot air defense systems to protect its borders amid heightened tensions in the region.

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