‘Jordan turned Arab Spring into opportunity for reforms’

AMMAN — Jordan managed to transform the so-called Arab Spring into an “opportunity for reforms”, while some other Arab countries have witnessed destruction, bloodshed and war, Lower House Speaker Atef Tarawneh said on Tuesday.

During a meeting with a delegation from the National Defence College of the United Arab Emirates, Tarawneh reviewed the various reforms carried out by the Kingdom at the political, socioeconomic and administrative levels, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Jordan was able to deliver its vision on various national and pan-Arab issues, particularly the Palestinian cause, “thanks to the wisdom and leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah”, he added.

He referred to the problems facing Jordan, especially at the economic level, citing the repercussions of regional crises and refugee influxes on the Kingdom.

Jordan bears heavy socioeconomic and security burdens, Tarawneh said, adding that the global community has not honoured its obligations and duties under international law, as it has not offered more than 30 per cent of what the Kingdom presented as its current needs.

Head of the visiting delegation, Brig. Gen. Khalid Qattan, commended the role of the Lower House in the national reform process and praised the Jordanian-UAE ties, which he described as “historic and deep-rooted”.

Also on Tuesday, Foreign Affairs Minister Ayman Safadi met with the visiting Emirati delegation, and commended the “historic and brotherly” ties that witness development at various levels.

He underscored the important role of the Jordan-UAE Committee meetings, held in Abu Dhabi in October under the motto: “Towards a Wider Perspective of Bilateral Cooperation”, in further fostering economic, political, cultural and security coordination, based on the two countries’ visions and goals.

Safadi also highlighted the Kingdom’s efforts in countering regional challenges and finding political solutions to the Middle East crises, so as to ensure stability and safeguard pan-Arab interests.

Interior Minister Ghaleb Zu’bi also met with the delegates and commended the relations between Jordan and the UAE, Petra reported.

He added that the geographical, religious, national and political ties connecting the two countries constitute a major basis for achieving their common interests, referring to Jordan’s policy of moderation that always calls for overcoming conflicts.

The minister said the Kingdom’s strategy seeks to achieve the well-being of the Jordanian citizen, adding that its security policy had embraced the democratic approach through the Constitution, which allows all people to engage in decision-making. 

He also outlined political reforms and legislations the Kingdom has carried out.

For his part, Qattan said that the Jordanian-Emirati relations are based on mutual understanding and continuous coordination on all cases of mutual interest at the local and regional levels.