The Governments of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the United States of America held the 5th Joint Forum on Environmental Technical Cooperation on February 11 and 12, 2018 under the United States-Jordan Joint Statement on Environmental Technical Cooperation (Joint Statement). The Joint Statement, which was executed in October 2000, was negotiated in parallel with the United States-Jordan Free Trade Agreement Environment Chapter.
Jordan was represented by H.E. Dr. Yaseen M. Khayyat, Minister of Environment. The United States was represented by Barton J. Putney, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Environment, Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, U.S. Department of State.
The Joint Forum serves as an important opportunity to enhance and continue the longstanding bilateral relationship between the United States and Jordan, and to highlight a shared commitment to environmental protection and the sustainable use of natural resources.
The Governments reviewed accomplishments under the 2014-2018 Work Program, including activities on solid waste management, watershed restoration, public participation in environmental decision-making, and strengthening public-private partnerships.
The Governments also approved a new Work Program for 2018 through 2021. The 2018-2021 Work Program sets out activities related to: (i) the effective implementation and enforcement of environmental laws; (ii) protecting wildlife and sustainably managing ecosystems and natural resources; (iii) improving clean production processes and encouraging the adoption of sound environmental management practices, and the use of innovative environmental technology; and (iv) promoting environmental education, awareness, transparency, and public participation in environmental decision-making and enforcement.
The Governments held a public session for stakeholders, including non-governmental organizations and private sector representatives, which provided an opportunity for the public to participate in a discussion with government officials on the implementation of the Joint Statement.
Jordan’s delegation included representatives from the Ministry of Environment. The United States delegation included officials from the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, U.S. Department of State; U.S. Embassy Amman; Office of the U.S. Trade Representative; U.S. Agency for International Development; U.S. Forest Service; and the U.S. Department of the Interior.