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Ammon News - AMMONNEWS - UK aid will boost the resilience and inclusivity of Jordan’s economy and harness the power of the private sector to thousands of jobs, International Development Secretary Penny Mordaunt said in Amman today.

The support is part of the UK’s long-term partnership with Jordan, which was discussed by the UK Prime Minister and King Abdullah in November, and will support Jordan’s ambitious plans to reform the country, according to a press release.

Mordaunt announced that her department will double its current support for economic resilience in Jordan.

The partnership will see a new model of aid delivered by the UK in partnership with the government of Jordan, she said, adding that the UK Department for International Development (DFID) will work with other donors to multiply "our investments and deploy UK experts to help deliver economic reforms." Speaking in Amman, the International Development Secretary said: "Jordan is a beacon of hope and security in the Middle East. We are committed to transforming the country’s economy and helping the government deliver on its commitment to 200,000 jobs and give every child an education," she said.

"We stand by the government of Jordan in creating a more resilient and inclusive economy and society so that all Jordanians and refugees get the opportunities they deserve, regardless of gender or disability. By empowering vulnerable people to provide for themselves and their families, we are reducing Jordan’s reliance on traditional forms of aid," said the statement.

Looking after the most vulnerable and creating opportunities for all are a vital part of the partnership, which builds on the UK’s existing support for inclusive schools for children with disabilities so that all Jordanian and Syrian refugee children of all abilities can have the opportunities they deserve," it said. Mordaunt visited Om Amaar inclusive school in Amman to highlight the UK’s commitment to helping Jordan provide an inclusive education system and Rehabilitation Service in Zarqa to see how UK aid is helping to transform the lives of Jordanian and refugee children.

The minister then launched the UK’s National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security at the UK Ambassador’s residence in Amman.

Meeting with Jordanian youth leaders and activists, she praised Jordan for being one of the first countries to launch its own plan and discussed how to further prevent violence against women and girls in the country.

Later in the day, she held a roundtable at the think tank Jordan Strategy Forum with business leaders to discuss how the power of the private sector can help deliver growth and jobs in Jordan.