Jordan to remain a model of resilience, moderation — King

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday reaffirmed that Jordan has always exhibited enough determination and ability to overcome emerging challenges of all kinds.

During a meeting with key public figures at former prime minister Ahmad Lozi’s residence in Amman, the Monarch said that the Kingdom has historically managed to turn challenges into opportunities, thanks to the high level of awareness citizens have shown and the readiness of state agencies. 

His Majesty noted that Jordan has consistently demonstrated moderation, tolerance and respect of human dignity, supported by a public opinion that upholds the values of stability and achievement.

His Majesty gave credit to the Jordan Armed Forces and security agencies for preserving peace and stability, and safeguarding the country’s higher interests. 

The King also highlighted Jordan’s “unique model of coexistence between Muslims and Christians”, underlining in this context efforts exerted to promote inter-faith dialogue, tolerance and moderation vis-à-vis violence and extremism.

Jordan will continue to perform its “historic role to protect Arab Christians who always constituted an important part of our region’s history and civilisation”.

He outlined progress made in the comprehensive reform drive, which, he said, is being achieved according to the set roadmap that focuses on priorities that receive national consensus. 

He voiced appreciation for the efforts by lawmakers, who have recently endorsed key constitutional amendments and laws seen vital for political reform. 

On a different note, His Majesty stressed that the state’s authority must be respected and law must be upheld.

The King also referred to the economic challenges, emphasising that finding solutions to these woes is a top national priority, making certain, at the same time, that the interests of citizens should be duly served.

The meeting covered the negative impacts of regional challenges, especially the Syrian crisis and the repercussions of the Syrian refugee influx on the Jordanian economy, at a time when international support was insufficient. 

Regional developments were also on the agenda of the meeting. His Majesty reaffirmed Jordan’s constant stands on various regional issues.

He stressed that the Kingdom will continue supporting Palestinians after the halt of the Israeli aggression on Gaza, through providing relief and humanitarian aid and upgrading the capacity of the Jordanian field hospital in Gaza.

His Majesty reiterated the importance of drawing a clear plan to rebuild Gaza, stressing that reconstruction should be a shared international responsibility. 

King Abdullah called for intensifying international endeavours towards the resumption of negotiations that deal with all final status issues in a way that meets the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people to end the occupation and establish their independent state based on the two-state solution, the Arab Peace Initiative and relevant international resolutions. 

Regarding the increasing Israeli assaults on the holy sites in Jerusalem, His Majesty stressed that Jordan is continuing to exert all possible efforts to safeguard its holy places.

The Kingdom will also support Jerusalem citizens to remain in the city and stand up to all unilateral Israeli procedures to change the identity of the city and empty it from Arab and Muslim residents. 

The meeting also covered the latest developments in Iraq, with the King reiterating Jordan’s support to all efforts exerted to maintain the unity of the Iraqi land and people through launching an inclusive political process that engages all components of the Iraqi people.