Societal unrest continues to drive widespread political upheaval in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.  Unfortunately, while news coverage of the Arab Spring is dominated by headlines detailing violence and tumult, the stories of inclusive, cooperative approaches to reform go largely unreported.  It is important to remember that there is a committed friend and ally of the United States who has adopted such a strategy in pursuing reforms in the nation over which he presides, allowing him to effectively balance the competing desires of a divided constituency and his foreign partners. That ally is Jordan’s King Abdullah II, whom the Chamber hosted at a luncheon this afternoon.

While the stability of Jordan remains tenuous, King Abdullah has demonstrated his commitment to implementing major reforms that will benefit his people.  He has dismissed his cabinet, increased civil service wages and economic support, while starting the process of serious constitutional reform that includes reducing the power of the monarch.  In doing so, he has conceded more democratic control over Jordan’s government to its citizens.  It’s impossible to predict at this juncture whether the King’s reforms will be enough to quell Jordanian discontent, but it is in the best interest of the United States to support its longtime partner as long as he continues on this path toward comprehensive reform.

During the King’s visit to the Chamber, we were reminded that the strategic importance of the alliance between the United States and Jordan cannot be overstated. Since the signing of the U.S.-Jordan Free Trade agreement in 2000, Jordan has been one of America’s premier commercial partners in the Middle East, and has served in a vital role in peace negotiations between the Israelis and the Palestinians.  We must continue this work and expand bilateral trade between our two nations.

In 2010, Jordanian imports to the United States reached $1.13 billion and Jordanian exports to the United States exceeded $970 million. Expanding our commercial partnerships could help to drive down Jordan’s unemployment figures and promote greater economic stability in both of our countries. The King’s visit today showed that he is serious about expanding U.S.-Jordan commercial ties by including 20 Jordanian business representatives and 10 Jordanian youth entrepreneurs in his official delegation; a delegation that also included the Jordanian prime minister, minister of Foreign Affairs, minister of Planning and International Cooperation, and the minister of Finance. By including representatives from Jordan’s current and future private sector, the King demonstrated that he is committed to continuing down a path of commercial cooperation with the U.S. for years to come; a commitment that we at the Chamber share.