AMMAN, (AFP) — The United States on Wednesday granted its cash-strapped ally Jordan $100 million to help improve the lives of its people, the US embassy in Amman said.

“We fully support the commitment of the government of Jordan to implement a bold development agenda to improve the lives of Jordanians — especially the poor, young and underprivileged,” an embassy statement quoted US ambassador Stephen Beecroft as saying.

The funds were to support the country’s health and education services as well as balance of payments, and promote economic and political development, according to the statement.

The US assistance came a day after Jordan announced a $169-million plan to reduce the price of commodities including fuel, and create jobs in a bid to ease rising popular discontent.

Jordan is a major beneficiary of US aid having received more than $7 billion since 1952, the embassy said.