King receives 2019 Scholar-Statesman Award

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah, in the presence of Her Majesty Queen Rania and HRH Crown Prince Hussein, received the 2019 Scholar-Statesman Award on Thursday evening.

The award, presented to King Abdullah by the Washington Institute for Near East Policy (WINEP), has been awarded to His Majesty in appreciation for his wise policies and efforts towards peace, stability, harmony, and tolerance in the Middle East, according to a Royal Court statement. 

The award was presented to His Majesty by WINEP Chairman of the Board of Trustees James Schreiber, during a dinner held to mark the occasion.

The award celebrates distinguished leaders who, through their public service and achievements, underscore the importance of research and deep knowledge of history in effective and wise policies to promote peace and security in the Middle East, the statement said.

In his remarks at the ceremony, WINEP Executive Director Robert Satloff noted that when His Majesty talks, people listen, be they leaders around world or the millions of his people who count on him to provide wisdom and guidance, vision and balance, leadership and security, according to the statement.

For his part, WINEP Chairman of the Board of Trustees James Schreiber addressed the King saying, “You have led your country with strength, compassion, moderation and wisdom.”

He added, “you have been a committed warrior for peace, and a determined leader in the battle to confront extremism. In your faith, and in all faiths, you have been a true partner of our country, the United States”, the statement said.

During the ceremony, a tribute video was screened, highlighting His Majesty’s achievements and efforts to pursue peace in the region and to promote dialogue and interfaith harmony, as well as his role as the Hashemite Custodian of Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, according to the statement.

The King returned to Jordan on Friday after a working visit to Canada and the US.

In Canada, King Abdullah held talks with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, covering bilateral ties and regional developments. 

While in New York, where he received the 2019 Scholar-Statesman Award, the King met with United Nations Secretary General António Guterres to review regional developments and efforts to pursue peace and stability in the region.