US gives Jordan $479.5 million in economic aid

The United States has given Jordan $479.5 million (€ 326.7 million) in economic assistance to support the Arab kingdom's 2008 budget and fund development projects. The grant brings $516.1 million the amount of US economic aid Jordan received so far in 2008. Jordan is one of Washington's closest Arab allies. During a signing ceremony Thursday, Jordan's Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Suhair Al-Ali said $246.1 million of the money received will be used for budget support.