Jordan marks 68th Independence Day

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Sunday attended a ceremony at the Royal Court to celebrate the occasion, which included speeches from heads of authorities and decorating Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour, the Jordan Food and Drug Administration, along with 15 other achievers, according to a Royal Court statement.

Her Majesty Queen Rania and Crown Prince Hussein, along with other Royal family members and senior officials, diplomats and key figures attended the grand ceremony. 

Attendees included political parties leaders and representatives of commissions, unions, media outlets and civil society institutions. 

The country won its full independence on May 25, 1946 following the end of the British mandate.

Upon arrival, the King was greeted by Prince Hussein, Royal Court Chief Fayez Tarawneh and Chairman of the Joint-Chiefs-of-Staff Gen. Mashal Al Zaben. 

The King received an official welcome that included a 21-gun salute by the artillery. 

Earlier in the day, the King congratulated all Jordanians on the occasion via the Royal Court Twitter account. 

“Congratulations on 68Yrs of JO independence Proud of all Jordanians for their efforts in making Jordan Great Together we stand stronger #ABH,” His Majesty wrote.

At the ceremony, Ensour, Senate President Abdur-Ra’uf S.Rawabdeh, Lower House Speaker Atef Tarwaneh, Higher Judicial Council President Hisham Tal delivered speeches at the ceremony, highlighting Jordan’s independence and ensuing stages of the country’s achievements and accomplishments in various fields. 

In his speech, the premier asserted the country’s security, stability and continued achievement, expressing pride in all Jordanians. 

Speakers emphasised the country’s continued achievements, progress, judicial integrity and the progressive reform process since it gained independence in 1946. 

Celebrations have already started in the Kingdom, where the Independence Day is customarily the starting date for a series of festivities also marking the Great Arab Revolt and Army Day anniversaries, which fall on June 10, in addition to the coronation of King Abdullah. 

On the occasion, King Abdullah on Sunday received cables of congratulations from world leaders and senior officials on the occasion of the Kingdom’s 68th Independence Day. 

Prince Hussein received similar cables from senior officials and officers on the occasion of Independence Day.