Jordan, U.S. to Collaborate for Safe Air Travel

25 May 2012

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano inspects an explosive detection device. High-tech devices are part of a complex mix of elements involved in air safety efforts.

Jordan and the United States will work together to ensure that air travel between the two countries is as safe as possible.

The agreement capped a two-day meeting of Jordanian leaders and Janet Napolitano, secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, during her visit to the region May 22–23.

Minister of Transport Hashem Al Masaeed and Napolitano signed a memorandum of cooperation that enables the Jordanian Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission to share information about aviation security and collaborate with the Transportation Security Administration, which is part of Homeland Security.

Napolitano also met with Prince El Hassan bin Talal, King Abdullah II, Prime Minister Fayez Tarawneh and other ministry leaders to discuss cooperating on law enforcement, combating human trafficking and securing global transportation of commercial goods.

“Today, threats transcend national borders and affect the security and economic prosperity of the entire international community,” Napolitano said. The aviation agreement "underscores our shared commitment to building a stronger partnership between our two nations.”

The accord represents the U.S. government's efforts to strengthen security at airports around the world. Homeland Security, the Department of State and other U.S. government agencies work with foreign governments, international organizations and aviation industry groups to establish air safety partnerships. Partner countries are provided with information and training to improve the quality of their airport security operations.

In October 2010, nearly 190 countries signed an agreement with the International Civil Aviation Organization to establish a framework for global cooperation. By April 30, 2011, more than 70 countries had participated in a pilot program to eliminate the smuggling of common chemicals that can be turned into explosives.

While in Jordan, Napolitano also visited the King Hussein Mosque, which was built in honor of the late King Hussein of Jordan. At the Columbia University Middle East Research Center, Napolitano spoke on the topic of women and the next generation of leadership in security.