US welcomes Jordanian-Israeli deals on water supplies, trade

US welcomes Jordanian-Israeli deals on water supplies, trade

WASHINGTON "” The United States has welcomed agreements between Jordan and Israel over water supplies and trade, according to a statement from the US Department of State late Thursday. The US reaction came after Israel agreed to dramatically increase the amount of water it supplies to Jordan as the neighboring Arab country is facing an acute shortage of water. The agreement comes after Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi met with his Israel counterpart Yair Lapid at a crossing point over the Jordan River on Thursday. As part of the deal signed on Thursday, Israel will supply Jordan with an additional 50 million cubic meters (65 million cubic yards) of water to Jordan in 2021, Israel's foreign ministry said. Israel already provides water to Jordan annually under an agreement signed in 1994. They also agreed to raise a cap on Jordanian exports to the West Bank from $160 million to $700 million. "It is these kinds of tangible steps that increase prosperity for all and advance regional stability," the US Department of State said. The US congratulated Jordan's King and the country's foreign minister as well as Israeli prime minister Bennett and the foreign minister for concluding these deals. Jordan has