AMMAN, June 15 (Petra) —Prime Minister Marouf Bakhit on Wednesday said the government is committed to enhancing democracy and human rights in parallel with maintaining security.

During a meeting with a US delegation representing the Business Executives for National Security yesterday, the premier said Jordan was keen to develop ties with the US in various fields, while voicing appreciation for US assistance to implement development and services projects.

Bakhit said Jordan hopes to receive more financial and technical assistance from the US to confront the economic hardships caused by the hike in international oil prices.

The US government last week granted Jordan an additional $50 million in aid, increasing the US assistance package for 2006 to $300 million. In 2005, the country received $348.5 million in US assistance.

Bakhit commended the economic ties between Jordan and the US. Total bilateral trade with the US increased by 17.7 per cent to reach $1.9 billion in 2005, with the balance of trade heavily in favor of Jordan. Exports to the US rose by 15.9 per cent in 2005, while imports increased by 16.7 per cent, compared to 2004.

The US is the Jordan's biggest trading partner, accounting for 29.6 per cent of total exports, followed by Iraq at 14.8 per cent. Jordan's exports to the US in 2005 totaled $1.267 billion. Main exports consisted of textiles, products of chemical and allied industries, machinery, electrical equipment and vegetable products. The premier also underlined the need to push forward the Palestinian-Israeli peace process in order to achieve a two-state solution, as outlined by US President George W. Bush.

On Iraq, Bakhit reiterated Jordan's support for the political process there, expressing hope for enhancing security and stability in the country and halting the violence claiming the lives of innocent people.

The premier also answered the questions of the delegation, currently on a tour of the region that will include Syria, Iraq and Israel.

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