Jordan » International Relations

Jordan and the Middle East Peace Process

Jordan's leadership continues to adopt a constructive attitude to the Middle East Peace Process, although there remains considerable unrest among the Jordanian public seeking an end to violence and a return to negotiation on the basis of previous agreements. Jordan wishes to see progress in the peace process as this would improve Jordan's relations with neighboring countries and provide a significant economic boost to the region.

Jordan and Israel

On 26 October 1994, Israel and Jordan signed a peace treaty, including agreement on borders and water. On 26 July 1995, the Jordanian Parliament officially ended Israel's status as an enemy state by voting 51 votes to 19 to repeal laws prohibiting normal economic and cultural relations with Israel. In January 1998, land was returned to Jordan marking a return to the 1922 Mandate border with minor modifications. Diplomatic relations have ebbed and flowed but were most recently restored in February 2005. Negotiations continue on a variety of economic, trade and other agreements.

Jordan and Palestinian Authority

Jordan's historical relations with the Palestinian leadership have at times been difficult. Jordan's relations with the newly elected government are at an early stage. In the past there has been continual co-operation on political, economic, social and cultural issues. Israel has indicated that it would be prepared to see Jordan play a role (together with Egypt, the US and the UK) in reform of the Palestinian security sector post Israeli disengagement in Gaza.

Jordan and Iraq

King Abdullah supported the coalition invasion of Iraq and the process of restoring stability and security to Iraq. Since the overthrow of Saddam Hussein, relations between Jordan and Iraq have been tense due to the Iraq perception that Jordan profited from Saddam’s rule and is not doing enough to stop insurgents. Jordan is hoping for a free, democratic Iraq to emerge and for trade between the two countries to re-start.

Jordan and International Community

Europe is an important force in bringing peace to the Middle East, and is a source of political and economic support to Jordan. Jordan has signed and ratified an EU/Association agreement. But the United States remains the most influential Western power in Jordan and is the most important Western supplier of economic support and military assistance. Jordan is one of only four countries (and the only Arab one) to have a Free Trade Agreement with the United States.

Trade and Investment with UK

Britain has a long-standing and close relationship with Jordan. Defence relations are an important part of this. Since 1993, annual joint military exercises have taken place and Royal Navy ships pay regular visits to Aqaba. In July 2002, the UK helped to support a debt rescheduling agreement as a result of the Paris Club discussions. This agreement enables Jordan to reschedule debts to lender states. In February 2006 the UK assisted in getting the debt swap ceiling raised.

Jordan and the UK are also close partners in the fight against international terrorism. Like the UK, Jordan has seen first-hand the effects of terrorist acts. We remain committed to maintaining our high level of co-operation.