May pledges UK support to Jordan as she reaches out to Middle East
THERESA MAY has said she is backing visions for social reform and transformation in the Middle East as she announced a £90 million cash injection for Jordan to help its economic stability.
The Prime Minister has been on a three-day trip to the region as she looks to bolster relationships with Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Jordan ahead of Britain quitting the EU.
Following talks with King Abdullah and prime minister Hani Al-Mulki on how Britain can support Jordan’s long-term economic resilience, Mrs May delivered a speech at the Jordan Museum.
“I am today committing an initial £94.5 million to support Jordan’s economic resilience – including £60 million in investment grants, support for critical infrastructure projects, essential skills training and support to improve the quality of education,” she said.
“And this is just the start of a significant increase in our funding for Jordan’s resilience, which will go on to include support for the reform of government, the growth of private-sector investment and the creation of safety nets to ensure that no-one loses out from these reforms.”
More than 50% of the population in Jordan is under the age of 24, and over 40% are under 15, with youth unemployment up to 35%-40%, according to some estimates.
“The revenue streams of many states have been significantly reduced with the declining value of fossil fuels,” Mrs May said.
“All of this places immense strain on governments, social structures and services across the region.
“Inevitably tough choices have to be made, and these in turn risk creating political instability and provide fertile ground for extremism to prey on the most vulnerable.”
After previously visiting Jordan in April, she said her latest trip to the country is a “sign of the priority” she has placed on “deepening the special friendship” between the two countries.
With Jordan bearing the brunt of refugees fleeing the conflict in Syria, Mrs May offered her continued support, and stressed the country has the “respect of the whole world” for its “extraordinary compassion, generosity and humanity”.
“But ultimately only a lasting political solution in Syria will neutralise this terrorist threat and allow the refugees you are hosting to return home,” she said.
“That is why the international community must stop creating rival processes, and unite behind a single UN-led process in Geneva that will bring about an end to the conflict through a genuine transition to a new democratic, inclusive and legitimate government.
“After having overseen the deaths of hundreds of thousands of his country men, women and children, surely none of us can imagine that a government led by Bashar Al Assad could claim such legitimacy.”
The Prime Minister also laid out her ongoing support for social reforms in Saudi Arabia under the Vision 2030 programme, following talks on Wednesday with King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Mrs May said she is determined to ensure the UK is engaged in the most “pressing regional and global issues”, and Britain is not stepping back from the world. “We understand that we best defend our values, our interests and our way of life by working together with our international partners to uphold the international rules-based system.”