Brussels, 18/10/2005 (Agence Europe) - European External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner will travel to Amman in Jordan on Wednesday evening for a two day working visit to look at bilateral cooperation under the EU-Jordan Association Agreement of May 2002 and the action plan for Jordan under the EU's Neighbourhood Policy. During her visit, she will discuss the EuroMed process and preparations for the 27/28 November EuroMed Summit in Barcelona (Spain).
European Commission sources note there are no particular problems in the EU's relations with Jordan. Attention will focus on building on the Action Plan already developed with the EU, and Jordan's forthcoming launch of a National Agenda for reform - a long term strategy that will assist transformation to a dynamic, prosperous and democratic country. The EU is ready to concentrate its support to help Jordan achieve the reform objectives it has set itself. Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner will sign financing agreements worth €63 million with Jordan that will assist the country in implementing its reforms and reinforce EU-Jordan ties. Since 1995 the EU has allocated to Jordan over €500 million to help Jordan achieve its political, economic and social reform objectives. On 20 October Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner will sign Financing Agreements amounting to €63 million for the coming year. This will be allocated to a number of projects including €40 million to help Jordan foster a dynamic private sector that can act as an engine of economic growth. A further €15 million will be used to improve the assistance that the EU gives Jordan in public administration so that the country will be well placed in the future to benefit from the EU's internal market. € 5 million will contribute to improve water management and the remaining €3 million will be allocated to assist Jordan in promoting human rights and good governance. EUR 30 mil in aid was granted after the Gulf War to help Jordan recover from the war's impact on its economy. Eleven joint working groups have been set up to research the priority areas. The energy and environment, customs, and regional cooperation groups have yet to hold their first meetings. The Commissioner pointed out: 'We are backing Jordan's own reforms with EU expertise and financial assistance and the country will be well placed to benefit from a new arrangement that will offer greater support to those who share Europe's commitment to democracy and human rights.' The aim is to build on confidence to attract investors who might otherwise be put off by instability in the region. The Commissioner will be discussing this with the Jordan government (and the King), along with the Middle East in general, Iraq and relations with Syria.