Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the aims and objectives are of UK policy towards Jordan. [81915]

Alistair Burt; Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State : The UK's policy towards Jordan reflects the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's priorities of Safeguarding Britain's national security; building Britain's prosperity and supporting British nationals around the world.

The Arab Spring has shown that increased political participation by citizens and greater economic opportunity offering them a greater stake in their state is the surest route to long-term regional stability. To this end the UK continues to support the implementation of political and economic reforms in Jordan, including through the Arab Partnership. Additionally the UK works closely with Jordan on issues of mutual interest, including regional foreign policy, counter-terrorism and defence.

In support of building Britain's prosperity, on 15 November the Prime Minister and King Abdullah agreed to launch a UK-Jordan Economic Dialogue; which will seek ways to support both the Jordanian economy and the UK's prosperity agenda.