The First Lady of the United States, Jill Biden, will actively advocate for women’s and youths’ empowerment, attending a royal wedding in Jordan during her forthcoming tour of the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe.
Her six-day journey will span Egypt, Morocco, and Portugal. Before her departure, her office initially released details of her itinerary to The Associated Press.
This tour marks the First Lady’s debut visit to the Middle East since she assumed her role. Earlier this year, she undertook trips to Namibia and Kenya.
“Jill Biden firmly believes that worldwide youth support is essential for our shared future, with education, health, and empowerment forming the core of this belief,” said Vanessa Valdivia, her spokesperson.
“With this tour of the Middle East and North Africa, the First Lady aims to further her mission of empowering the young generation while also reinforcing our dedication to bolstering our alliances and promoting mutual priorities in the region,” said Valdivia.
In Jordan’s capital, Amman, Jill Biden will witness the nuptials of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II, the presumptive heir to the throne, and Rajwa Khalid Alseif, an architect, scheduled for June 1st.
The relationship between President Joe Biden, the First Lady, and the parents of the Crown Prince, King Abdullah II, and Queen Rania is a deep and long-standing friendship.
When serving as Vice President, Joe Biden frequently met King Abdullah over breakfast during the latter’s trips to Washington to visit his then-student son at Georgetown University. After his Vice Presidency, Abdullah saw Biden at his home in Delaware. Since assuming the Presidency, Biden and Abdullah have met thrice at the White House and once in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
In her visits to Egypt and Morocco, Jill Biden will focus on forging connections with women and the youth, emphasizing U.S. investments that contribute to educational programs and endeavours to boost economic opportunities.
In Portugal, she will join the U.S. State Department in marking the 60th anniversary of its Art in Embassies program, underlining the significant role that the arts can hold in diplomacy.
Concluding her tour, the First Lady will undoubtedly have contributed to furthering her mission of empowering women and the youth while highlighting the strategic importance of the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe in U.S. foreign policy. This visit also showcases her role in fostering diplomatic relations and strengthening alliances with these regions. The impact of Jill Biden’s trip, from royal weddings to meaningful diplomatic engagements, will be felt across various spectrums, reflecting the depth and diversity of the United States’ international relationships.
