The United Kingdom’s relations with Jordan are as strong as they are historical. Britain has been involved in Jordan longer than any other country, going right back to the formation of the State. Our joint past has cemented a strong and lasting tie between our two countries.

That starts with the strong tie between our two royal families: the Hashemites and the Windsors. His Majesty the late King Hussein received his high school education and his early military training in the UK. The tradition was carried on by King Abdullah and three of his brothers who all graduated from the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst. Just like his father before him, King Abdullah is a very frequent visitor to the UK, both officially and privately. The close friendship that developed between the late King Hussein and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth quickly encompassed the other members of the two Royal families and reflected on the relationship between the two countries.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip paid their first official visit to Jordan back in 1984, while Prince Charles and Prince Edward both visited Jordan in 1998, and Prince Andrew visited in 2002. Prince Charles returned to Jordan for an official visit in 2004. King Abdullah and Queen Rania were the personal guests of the Queen at Windsor Castle in November 2001 for their first State visit to the UK.

Between our two governments, relations are equally strong. The British Prime Minister visited Jordan in 2004 and 2005. The Foreign Secretary visited in 2005 and 2006, and the Home Secretary also visited in 2006. Several other ministers have also recently visited Jordan. A large number of Jordanian ministers and senior officials regularly visit the UK.

The substance of our relationship is equally strong. We have always had a close and frank political dialogue, and see eye-to-eye on the vast majority of international issues. Successive British Governments always sought and valued the experience and counsel of His Majesty the late King Hussein, whose understanding of the politics of this region was second to none. And we now look in turn to his Majesty King Abdullah for similar advice and insight.

We have always sought to, and will continue to seek to help Jordan wherever we can. Economically, we support Jordan through a bilateral aid programme focused on administrative reform and social development. We are also one of the largest financial contributors to the EU, and Jordan’s strongest advocate in the EU for providing economic assistance. Similarly, we are strong supporters of Jordan in other international bodies, such as the IMF, the World Bank, the Paris Club and the WTO.

Militarily, our armed forces continue the close relationship they have enjoyed since the early days of the Arab army. Many of Jordan’s most senior officers have trained in the UK, while our two armies exploit Jordan’s unique desert training environment for regular joint exercises and training. We have gifted to Jordan 288 Challenger I tanks (renamed Al Hussein in Jordanian service) in order to upgrade and modernise the Jordanian armoured fleet.

The UK will continue to help in other ways. For example, our Chevening scholarship programme enables some 15 of Jordan’s most qualified students to pursue postgraduate studies in the UK each year. Our police forces have always co-operated closely together, especially in areas such as drugs trafficking, counter-terrorism and family protection. And the Commercial Section in this Embassy works hard at encouraging British companies to invest and do business in Jordan.

Our cultural differences are also our strengths. Jordan is a predominantly Muslim country, the UK predominantly Christian. And yet there are well over a million Muslims in Britain. While Arabic is Jordan’s mother tongue, very many Jordanians speak English. Of course, the British Council is active here in teaching English language, spreading awareness of British culture and ideas, and in providing information on what the UK has to offer.

Jordan and the United Kingdom have always been close friends and partners. We are all determined to ensure that this remains the case.