LOC01:52
22:52 GMT
WASHINGTON, June 26 (KUNA) -- US President Donald Trump is strengthening bilateral relations with Jordan, the White House announced late Tuesday.
Trump views Jordan as a 'key strategic ally, and looks to build on the strong, decades-long relationship between the two countries', according to the White House, following his meeting on Monday with King Abdullah of Jordan over the stalled Israeli-Palestinian negotiations.
"America always has looked to Jordan as a valued partner, an advocate for the values of civilization, and a source of stability and hope," Trump said in the White House statement.
Trump is looking to expand trade between the two countries and improve economic situation in the region.
In February, the US and Jordan signed a five year Memorandum of Understanding, in which the US committed to requesting USD 1.275 billion in security and economic assistance annually for Jordan until 2022.
The White House also lauded Jordan for taking on "significant responsibility for humanitarian relief in the Middle East," including millions of refugees fleeing violence in neighboring Syria and Iraq.
The US has provided more than USD 1.1 billion in aid to assist Syrian refugees and vulnerable populations in Jordan. (end)
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