Marco Rubio Wraps Up Middle East Strategic Engagement

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It was an honor to return to the Kingdom of Jordan this weekend for my second official visit as senator. Jordan is one of our closest allies in the region, and we cooperate with them militarily in combating ISIS as well as dealing with the refugee crisis stemming from Syria's civil war. Today, Jordan hosts the largest Syrian refugee camps in the world, and our support to them helps make this humanitarian response possible.

Last year, I introduced the U.S.-Jordan Defense Cooperation? Act, which became law and provides support to Jordan in responding to the refugee crisis, combating ISIS and other terrorist groups, and helping mitigate the many challenges that exist along its borders with Syria and Iraq. As part of my visit to oversee U.S. programs in Jordan, I assessed the impact this law is having and what more can be done by the U.S. government to advance our interests in the region. Jordan's strategic partnership with Israel is a key part of promoting greater stability in the region, and I appreciate their ongoing commitment to that relationship. I am also hopeful that our Jordanian allies will continue their path to reform and allow all Jordanians a greater voice in shaping their country's future.

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I stressed to our Lebanese partners the importance of cracking down on the terrorist group Hezbollah. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and I were sponsors of the Hezbollah International Financing Prevention Act, which was signed into law in 2015. This law blocks the terrorist organization’s financing and limits its access to logistical support. Prime Minister Al-Hariri and I discussed ways to address Hezbollah's threat to regional stability, and the necessity of helping to build the capability of the Lebanese Armed Forces to confront terrorist threats.

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Marco as heir apparent to the leader of the free world was key this weekend in several strategic engagements with Middle Eastern allies. Marco is not naive to think these same individuals are not actively engaged against us behind our backs. This is why Marco as a true leader followed up and conducted the inspection personally. Marco was sure to stress their utmost cooperation or they would be left to defend themselves. It's times like these Marco stands above his peers.