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Ammon News - AMMAN (Petra)- Minister of planning and international cooperation and minister of tourism and antiquities Ibraheem Saif and US ambassador in Amman Stuart Jones signed an agreement on Monday for additional financial assistance of $200 million the US will extend to the Kingdom to support the 2013 state budget, especially in the education, health and water sectors.

Saif said the additional assistance comes at a critical time, as a result of the continuing impact of the Syrian crisis on the nation’s economy. "The Jordanian government is exerting huge efforts to ease the pressure on the state budget as a result of providing a number of subsidized services and goods to the Syrian brethren," he added.

The minister expressed the Jordanian government's gratitude for continued US support to the Kingdom, stressing that this support reflects the advanced level of relations between the two countries and appreciation of the US administration and Congress to His Majesty King Abdullah II's regional role and his efforts in bringing about reforms.

He added that Jordan looks forward to more cooperation between the two countries in all fields, which are to have a significant impact on supporting the implementation of national reform and development plans and programs.

In his comments, Ambassador Jones said: "We salute Jordan for its response to the humanitarian crisis of the Syrian people. We, in turn, will help Jordan to bear these burdens. This grant is a tangible confirmation of the strong ties between the two countries and our commitment towards this partnership. The US will stand by you in your commitment towards the Syrian people and in facing the large development challenges." This financial assistance will raise the total economic support the US has given the Kingdom this year to some $560 million. Washington annually provides Jordan with $360 million.

The grant was announced by US President Barack Obama during his March 22 visit to the Kingdom.