WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Agency for International Development's (USAID) Mission Director in Amman, Jordan, Jay L. Knott, signed five agreements Sept. 28, providing $411.4 million in grants from the United States to Jordan.

At the signing ceremony, U.S. Ambassador to Jordan R. Stephen Beecroft emphasized the strong, mutual partnership between the United States and Jordan. "This year, the U.S. and Jordan celebrate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic and development ties. We are impressed by the commitment of the people and Government of Jordan to implement a bold reform and development agenda to improve the lives of Jordanians - especially the poor, young and underprivileged."

The USAID agreements signed today include:

• $54.9 million to spur trade, increase investment, and create job opportunities for Jordanians;
• $64.2 million to increase water supplies and improve management of Jordan's scarce available water;
• $22.3 million to support King Abdullah's vision for political development in Jordan;
• $71.8 million to support Jordan's education reform initiatives, $29.7 million to enhance the public health sector, and $9 million to improve skills of youth in underprivileged areas and alleviate poverty;
• A $159.5 million cash transfer to assist the Jordanian Government decrease its international debt and advance its reform initiatives.

The U.S. assistance program to Jordan is amongst the largest in the world. The program is founded upon a strong partnership linking the Jordanian and American people, and the U.S. commitment to Jordanians as they seek to improve their living conditions through economic opportunities. Since 1952, U.S. economic assistance to Jordan has totaled almost $6 billion.

For more information about USAID, visit www.usaid.gov. For information about the USAID Mission in Jordon, visit http://jordan.usaid.gov/.