The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan's Embassy in the United States, situated in Washington, D.C., is not merely a consular office; it is a vital nerve center for one of the most enduring and strategic partnerships in the Middle East. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, its role has become even more critical, navigating complex regional security challenges while simultaneously strengthening deep economic and cultural ties.
The embassy's daily operations—from facilitating trade under the landmark Free Trade Agreement to coordinating high-level security dialogue—directly reflect Jordan's status as a pivotal U.S. ally. For Jordanian citizens, American travelers, and policymakers alike, understanding the current focus and services of this diplomatic mission is essential to grasping the future trajectory of U.S.-Jordanian relations.
Her Excellency Dina Kawar: Biography and Current Diplomatic Focus
The Jordanian Embassy in the United States is currently led by a highly respected diplomat whose tenure has spanned nearly a decade of significant geopolitical shifts.
- Name: Her Excellency Dina Kawar (Arabic: دينا قعوار)
- Current Post: Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to the United States
- Appointment Date: June 27, 2016
- Previous Key Role: Permanent Representative of Jordan to the United Nations (2014–2016), during which Jordan held a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council.
- Education: Bachelor's degree in International Relations from Mills College, and a Master's degree in International Affairs from Columbia University.
- Career Milestone: She was one of the first women to join Jordan's Foreign Service.
- Current Focus (2024/2025): Ambassador Kawar’s recent activities highlight a focus on sustaining the strategic security partnership, promoting Jordan's economic stability through trade and aid, and emphasizing Jordan's role as a voice for moderation and stability in regional conflicts. Her recent engagements include addressing the Council of American Ambassadors in Summer 2024 and participating in key interfaith and diplomatic events in Washington D.C..
The Core Pillars of US-Jordanian Relations in 2025
The relationship between the United States and Jordan is built on a foundation of shared security interests and robust economic cooperation. The embassy plays a central role in maintaining and advancing these three core pillars, particularly in the context of recent global and regional instability.
1. Sustained Security and Defense Cooperation
Jordan is designated as a Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA), a status that underscores its indispensable role in regional security. The embassy’s military attaché and diplomatic staff work tirelessly to coordinate joint defense efforts.
- High-Level Coordination: The embassy facilitates meetings between U.S. officials and key Jordanian figures, such as His Majesty King Abdullah II, to discuss counter-terrorism, border security, and regional stability.
- Recent Joint Efforts: In a notable example of ongoing cooperation in April 2024, Jordan coordinated with the United States to assist in defense measures related to regional tensions, demonstrating a seamless military and intelligence partnership.
- U.S. Aid Commitment: The embassy monitors the flow of U.S. assistance, which is critical for Jordan’s stability. Congress has maintained aid levels to Jordan at the FY2024 level into FY2025, ensuring continued financial support for defense and economic programs.
2. The Power of the US-Jordan Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
The U.S.-Jordan Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which entered into force in December 2001, is a cornerstone of the economic relationship and the first U.S. FTA with an Arab nation. The embassy’s commercial section is instrumental in promoting this agreement.
- Trade Volume: The FTA has dramatically increased bilateral trade. U.S. goods exports to Jordan were an estimated $2.0 billion in 2024, representing a significant increase from the previous year.
- Qualified Industrial Zones (QIZs): The embassy promotes investment in Jordan’s Qualified Industrial Zones, which allow goods manufactured there to enter the U.S. duty-free, benefiting both economies.
- Document Legalization: A key consular service provided by the embassy is the certification and legalization of business documents, which is essential for companies utilizing the FTA for trade and exports.
3. Consular and Citizen Services for a Global Community
The embassy and its consular section in Washington, D.C., serve as the primary link for Jordanian citizens living in the U.S. and American citizens planning to visit Jordan. Due to the high-demand nature of these services, appointments are often required.
- Passport and Documentation: Core services include the renewal of Jordanian passports and other essential civil documentation.
- Visa Issuance: The embassy processes various types of visas for foreign nationals, including tourist, business, and student visas. Travelers are often encouraged to purchase the Jordan Pass in advance, which can include visa fees and entry to over 40 attractions.
- Legalization and Notarial Services: The embassy provides vital services for authenticating documents for use in Jordan, such as powers of attorney and educational certificates.
- Emergency Assistance: The embassy maintains an emergency number for legal or medical emergencies involving Jordanian citizens in the United States.
4. Cultural Diplomacy and Public Outreach (2024-2025)
Beyond politics and trade, the embassy actively engages in cultural diplomacy to foster mutual understanding and showcase the "warmth and hospitality of Jordanian culture". These efforts are crucial for maintaining strong people-to-people ties.
- Winternational Embassy Showcase: The embassy is a regular and prominent participant in the annual Winternational Embassy Showcase in Washington, D.C., offering attendees a taste of authentic Jordanian cuisine, intricate handicrafts, and visual arts.
- Around the World Embassy Tour: In May 2025, the embassy is slated to participate in the popular Around the World Embassy Tour, opening its doors to the public for a cultural extravaganza.
- Interfaith and Dialogue Events: Ambassador Kawar frequently participates in events focused on interfaith harmony and dialogue, such as the World Interfaith Harmony Week, reflecting Jordan's commitment to tolerance and peace. This includes attending diplomatic events like the Iftar dinner in April 2024.
5. Key Entities and Locations in the Bilateral Relationship
The extensive nature of the US-Jordan partnership involves numerous governmental and non-governmental entities, which the embassy coordinates with daily. Understanding these key players provides insight into the depth of the relationship.
- The White House and U.S. Department of State: Direct coordination on strategic policy, security, and aid.
- The United States Trade Representative (USTR): Partner for managing and expanding the US-Jordan Free Trade Agreement.
- U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID): The primary body for coordinating U.S. economic and development assistance to Jordan.
- The Pentagon/Department of Defense (DoD): Coordination on military training, joint exercises, and security cooperation.
- The World Trade Center Washington, D.C.: Host of major cultural events like the Winternational Showcase, where the embassy promotes Jordan.
- The Jordan Pass: A key national tourism initiative promoted by the embassy to facilitate travel.
- The Council of American Ambassadors: A platform where Ambassador Kawar engages with former U.S. Ambassadors to discuss foreign policy.
- The Jordanian Consulates: While the Washington D.C. Embassy is the primary mission, the embassy coordinates with other Jordanian consulates in the U.S. to ensure comprehensive citizen services.
The Jordanian Embassy in the United States remains a central hub for diplomacy, security, and cultural exchange. Its ongoing activities in 2024 and 2025 underscore Jordan's indispensable role as a pillar of stability and a committed partner to the U.S. in the ever-evolving landscape of the Middle East.
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