The UK Permanent Under-Secretary (PUS) at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Sir Philip Barton, is in Jordan from 9-11 July to discuss the UK-Jordan partnership and international and regional developments. According to a British embassy statement, Sir Barton is scheduled to meet his counterparts at the Jordan Ministry of Foreign Affairs to discuss strengthening UK-Jordan collaboration through a UK diplomatic training programme for junior Jordanian diplomats and a travel scheme for Jordanians travelling to the UK. The statement added that he would discuss the Jordan Response Plan for the Syrian Crisis and “long-term, cost-effective solutions” for refugees in Jordan with the Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, Zeina Toukan. Sir Barton’s visit aims to promote UK-supported efforts to improve inclusive education and increase women’s participation in Jordan. He is scheduled to co-chair a Climate Roundtable with Environment Minister Muawieh Radaideh on Jordan’s climate plan ahead of COP28 in the UAE. Sir Barton would meet younger Jordanians who have started businesses and learn about the opportunities and challenges facing entrepreneurs in Jordan. He is expected to launch the 2023 Chevening Scholarship campaign and celebrate its 40th year of scholarships globally. Ahead of his visit, Sir Barton said: “I’m looking forward to this visit to Jordan. The UK is keen to work with Jordan to grow our unique strategic partnership and develop areas of untapped potential. “Jordan is an important and long-standing partner, and we will continue to work together to support regional stability and create economic opportunity.”

Source: Jordan News Agency