The US Congress has approved a new aid package for Jordan for 2022, estimated at USD 1,650 billion, Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, Nasser Shraideh, announced Saturday.

According to a statement, Shraideh thanked the US government and Congress for approving the new assistance to the Kingdom, which comes to support its development and reform programs during 2022, in light of the challenges that affect Jordan's economy, such as the conditions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Syrian refugee crisis.

Shraideh said approval of this US assistance was the outcome of His Majesty King Abdullah II's efforts with the US administration and Congress during the last period, within the framework of securing and approving the aid package for the Kingdom.

In addition, the minister pointed to the "distinguished, historic" Jordanian-US relations at various levels and fields and their "strategic" partnership in this regard.

Stressing the "deep-rooted, solid" Jordanian-US strategic partnership relations, he lauded Washington's assistance provided to the Kingdom to support the development process and provide aid during the past years to address the Kingdom's burdens due to the region's turmoil, Syrian refugee crisis and Covid-19 pandemic-induced repercussions.