Jordan: Post Supports Start of S&T Agreement Negotiations

UNCLAS AMMAN 004527

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

STATE PASS TO National Science Foundation
STATE ALSO PASS TO USTR
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Commerce for NOAA/International/Ware-Harris, Child
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WHITE HOUSE for OSTP/Rolf

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: TSPL SENV KTIA TBIO TPHY ETRD JO
SUBJECT: Jordan: Post Supports Start of S&T Agreement Negotiations


1. Summary: Embassy Amman supports beginning negotiations on a
Science and Technology Agreement between the United States and
Jordan. It is Post's view that successful conclusion of this
agreement will promote U.S. social, political and economic interests
in Jordan. End summary.

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GOJ Produces Draft Agreement from USG Model
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2. Beginning with the September 2005 visit of Minister of Industry
and Trade Sharif Zu'bi to Washington, the GOJ has consistently
expressed a strong interest in signing a Science and Technology
Agreement with the USG. Jordan's Ministry of Industry and Trade, in
collaboration with the Higher Council for Science and Technology,
produced a draft S&T Agreement based on the U.S. S&T Agreement with
Algeria.


3. Leading up to and during the June 8-13 visit of NEA Senior S&T
Advisor Dr. Chuck Lawson, Post engaged in a round of discussions
with the Department and with GOJ actors on the costs and benefits of
a U.S.-Jordan S&T Agreement, and the suitability of the Jordanian
draft. Department offices contacted by Post view the draft
agreement as an acceptable basis upon which to begin negotiations,
and feel that a U.S.-Jordan S&T Agreement would promote USG
interests. Post concurs.

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Minister to Deputy: Please Expedite
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4. Consultations culminated in a June 8 meeting in Amman between
Lawson, DCM, Econ Counselor, ESTH Officer and GOJ Minister of
Industry and Trade Sharif Zu'bi. Zu'bi has been the GOJ's main
advocate for an S&T Agreement since he sees the agreement as an
important tool for raising the level of technology and value-added
in Jordan's economy.


5. Zu'bi's questions for Lawson were specific and concrete. How
long will negotiations take? Can we discuss specific projects while
the framework S&T Agreement is being negotiated? What are the
specific benefits that Jordan can expect? As Zu'bi left the meeting
after an unexpected urgent call, his instructions (in Arabic) to his
deputy were a crisp, "Expedite the signature" on the agreement.

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S&T Council Also On Board
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6. Secretary General of the Higher Council for Science and
Technology (HCST) Dr. Khaled El-Shuraydeh also supported the concept
of an S&T Agreement in his June 12 meeting with Lawson. Noting that
Minister Zubi is on the HCST's Governing Council, Shuraydeh took a
strategic view of the proposed S&T Agreement. He said that Jordan
needs to enhance innovation, and to use high technology as a
development tool by bringing ideas to the marketplace. He
emphasized Jordan's need to promote R&D, especially in its
universities.


7. Comment: Based on consultations with the GOJ and with relevant
offices in the Department, Post supports starting negotiations on a
Science and Technology Agreement with Jordan.


8. This message was cleared by NEA Senior S&T Advisor Lawson.

RUBINSTEIN