Amman, Jordan, Monday, October 31, 2016

What a pleasure to be here with all of you in Amman.

Canada greatly values its close friendship with Jordan.

This is the first State visit to Jordan by a Canadian governor general. I am very pleased to be here to learn more about this country and further the friendship between our two nations.

Withour Canadian delegation, our visit is focused on Canadian partnerships with Jordan in three distinct areas:

1) stability and security in the region;

2) support to refugees;

3) collaboration in trade, education and audio-visual co-production.

Jordan’s stability and prosperity are important to Canada and to the region.

That’s why Canada is pleased to support Jordan through a range of programs and partnerships.

Canada recognizes and appreciates the strain that hosting so many refugees places upon Jordan. International assistance needs to keep pace, and Canada’s support to refugee-affected communities has grown accordingly.

Let me say how much we applaud your selfless efforts to help these newcomers. I am grateful for this opportunity to learn more about the challenges Jordan faces as a result.

Canada also remains committed to helping Jordan achieve its development goals. Educational reform and teacher training are keys to success. Your efforts recognize that people are Jordan’s most important resource, and I look forward to learning more about Jordan’s new Education for Prosperity Strategy.

Educational reform can drive innovation, which is in turn so vital to economic growth and democratic development.

The Canada-Jordan Free Trade Agreement is already helping to further our shared prosperity. Let’s explore how we can further build the economy of Jordan leading to job creation and broad-based growth.

The relationship between our two nations is a beacon of co-operation and partnership in this region, and it continues to grow. We have so much in common as nations that believe in diversity, democracy and the rule of law.

I hope our visit and this afternoon’s meeting will help to reinforce what Jordan and Canada can achieve by working together.

Thank you.