U.S. and Jordan Cooperate on Science and TechnologyBureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific AffairsWashington, DC July 9, 2008 Delegates from Jordan and the United States opened on July 9 the first meeting of the United States-Jordan Joint Committee on Science and Technology. Experts from both countries will use the two-day conference at the Higher Council for Science and Technology in Amman to explore collaboration in water resources, environmental protection, renewable energy, public health, and agricultural development. The Joint Committee will also focus on innovation and commercialization, as well as strengthening Jordan’s idea-to-product capabilities. Stressing the importance of U.S.-Jordanian cooperation in these areas, American Embassy Charge d’Affaires Daniel Rubinstein said: “These fields are not only critical areas for Jordan and its national priorities, but also vital to the United States and the global village we live in.” At the end of the conference, the delegates plan to release a Joint Statement outlining the next steps both countries will take to enhance bilateral cooperation in these fields. The U.S. delegation, headed by U.S. State Department Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Oceans, Environment, and Science Ambassador Reno Harnish, includes representatives from several U.S. government agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Geological Survey, and the National Institutes of Health. They will meet with His Royal Highness Prince Hassan bin Talal, Secretary General of the Higher Council of Science and Technology Dr. Anwar Battikhi, representatives of several Jordanian ministries including the Ministries of Water, Environment, Agriculture, and Health, scientists for academia and civil society, as well as private sector representatives. The U.S. and Jordan concluded the Science and Technology cooperation agreement establishing the Joint Committee one year ago. |