[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 70 (Friday, May 17, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E691]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           RECOGNIZING JORDAN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GREGORY W. MEEKS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 17, 2013

  Mr. MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, we were pleased to welcome the Hashemite King 
of Jordan, King Abdullah II bin al-Hussein to Washington a few weeks 
ago and I would like to take this opportunity to highlight the 
importance of our vital bilateral relationship. The United States and 
the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan began their diplomatic relations in 
1949, and have remained strong allies for over six decades. We 
collaborate closely with the Jordanians in multiple areas, including: 
security cooperation, economic development, humanitarian assistance and 
counterterrorism.
  The timing of the King's visit is critical. The United States is 
working closely with Jordan to address the humanitarian crisis in 
Syria, which becomes increasingly dire with each passing day. Jordan is 
hosting approximately 500,000 refugees, and that number grows by 2,000-
4,000 refugees a day. Jordan faces tremendous economic and humanitarian 
pressures in the face of regional challenges.
  Stability and peace in the Middle East hinges on a strong strategic 
alliance between the United States and Jordan. Jordan plays an 
important role in the Middle East peace process, having signed the 
historic Jordan-Israel Peace Treaty in 1994, normalizing relations 
between Jordan and Israel and establishing a partnership toward 
peaceful relations. Jordan is a strong advocate for moving the peace 
process between the Israelis and Palestinians forward, often 
reiterating the need for negotiations and offering to serve as a 
mediator and host for peace talks.
  Under the leadership of King Abdullah II, Jordan is the voice of 
moderation and progress in the Arab world, and recently implemented 
economic and political reforms. Now is the time to reaffirm the United 
States' commitment to and friendship with the people and Government of 
Jordan. Therefore, I am pleased to submit a resolution to recognize and 
highlight the long-term partnership and friendship between the United 
States and Jordan, working together towards peace and security in the 
Middle East.

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