| The Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, Suhair Al-Ali, announced that the European Union provided Jordan with an additional grant in the value of Euro 26.7 million to support the Education Sector in the Kingdom. The grant agreement was signed by the Minister of Planning and International Cooperation and the Minister of Education on behalf of the Government of Jordan, whereas it was signed by Mr. M. Cornaro, the Director of EuropeAid on behalf of the European Commission. Minister Al-Ali noted that this grant was extended to support Jordan in alleviating some of the burden on Jordan's education system due to the increased numbers of Iraqi students at Jordanian public schools, by providing the needed educational facilities to accommodate these students, including increasing the schools capacities (buildings and classrooms), in addition to ensuring the availability of sufficient school equipment and supplies, as well as equipping school labs. Minister Al-Ali also expressed the gratitude and appreciation of the Government of Jordan to the European Union for extending this grant, which clearly illustrates the great significance that the EU attaches towards supporting Jordan in pursuing its multi-faceted reform agenda, and for its understandings to the challenges that faces the national economy at the current stage. Moreover, Minister Al-Ali emphasized on the importance the Government of Jordan undertakes in enhancing the bilateral relations with the European Union in various fields, particularly in light of the EU-Jordan Association Agreement and the Joint Action Plan of the European Neighbourhood Policy. |
