World leaders greet Jordan on centennial anniversary

AMMAN — World leaders have extended greetings to Jordan on the state’s centennial anniversary.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi greeted His Majesty King Abdullah and the Jordanian people on occasion of the centennial, the Jordan New Agency, Petra, reported.

In a video message on Monday, Sisi said that the occasion is “precious and dear” to Egypt and the Arab and Islamic worlds.

"It is an opportunity to renew our commitment to our two brotherly peoples, enhance joint action and coordinate efforts within bilateral relations, and explore more cooperation opportunities to achieve peace, security, stability and development for the peoples of the region," he said.

The Egyptian leader noted Jordan's "pivotal role in the Arab and Islamic arenas, and its support for the Palestinian people and their just cause, as well as its ongoing support for Egypt and the issues that affect it, based on the historical relations that unite the two countries at the official and popular levels."

The strategic accord between Egypt and Jordan, he pointed out, proved the ability to deal with all the challenges facing the two countries, stressing that the agreement stems from the historical relations between the two countries.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in a video message on Monday said: "Jordan's development over the last century, and its regional role as an advocate for peace, stability and cooperation are testament to the character of the Jordanian people and the vision of Jordan's leader," Petra reported.

"We are confident that the ties binding our nations and people together from our vibrant trade and cultural exchanges to our collaboration in tackling global challenges, like COVID-19, will only grow stronger," Blinken added.

Extending greetings, German Chancellor Angela Merkel stressed Jordanians' right to be proud of their country and its achievements, according to Petra.

In a video message on Monday, Merkel said that Jordan comes first place in achieving security and stability in the region that suffers from unrest, adding that Germany considers the Kingdom an important partner, Petra reported.

Merkel indicated that Jordan and Germany have cooperated closely for many years in the political, economic, security, cultural and educational fields, noting that the German Jordanian University is an example of the close bond and partnership between the two friendly countries towards a promising future.

She also voiced hope to continue and boost the multi-faceted bilateral cooperation for the benefit of the two friendly countries and peoples.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern hailed the friendly ties between the two countries.

Ardern, in a video message on Monday, said: "While we are separated by distance, New Zealand and Jordan have always enjoyed warm and friendly relations. New Zealand greatly appreciates the contributions of the small Jordanian community who have made New Zealand their home. We are delighted to host a number of Jordanian students, who have chosen to further their education here. These links foster enduring connections between our countries and our peoples."

"New Zealand remains deeply appreciative of the solidarity and support Jordan displayed in the wake of the 2019 Christchurch terror attacks, which devastated New Zealand and specifically targeted our vibrant Muslim community. Following the attacks, Jordan was a foundational supporter of the Christchurch call to action to eliminate terrorist and violent extremist content online," she stated.

Also on Monday, in a video message, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said: "People are at the heart of what has always brought our two countries together. As partners and friends, we will continue to advance free trade and create opportunities. We will continue to protect refugees fleeing violence and persecution, and we will make education more inclusive."

On COVID-19, Trudeau underlined that the two countries will overcome the pandemic and create a better world for everyone, stressing that the partnership between the two countries will only grow stronger, Petra reported.

‘Special, abiding friendship’ 

Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales, extended his greetings to His Majesty King Abdullah and the Jordanian people on the centenary anniversary. 

In a video message on Monday, Prince Charles said: "This year also marks 100 years of partnership between Jordan and the United Kingdom. Our countries have undergone immense transformation over the years, but our special and abiding friendship has remained a constant based, as it is, on our shared history, as well as on our shared view of the future."

"I am delighted that both my Prince's Trust international and Turquoise Mountain Foundation have been able to establish roots in your very special country," he pointed out.

On the COVID pandemic, Prince Charles stated that, like the rest of the world, the pandemic has had a significant impact on Jordan and its economy, adding that the "challenges we face post-COVID as our economies and societies begin the process of recovery will offer us the opportunity to reset our whole approach towards tackling the existential threats of climate change and biodiversity laws", Petra reported.

The Prince of Wales commended Jordan's remarkable and longstanding diplomacy in the region as “a tireless advocate for peace and a vital force for stability”, noting that the enduring programme of partnership and support between the two countries' forces is a source of great pride.

The Chair of the European Parliament Delegation for relations with the Mashreq countries (DMAS), Isabel Santos, said: “In my capacity as Chair of the Delegation for relations with the Mashreq countries of the European Parliament, and on behalf of all my DMAS colleagues, I would like to extend our most sincere congratulations for the 100th anniversary of the foundation of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.”

That past century has been a challenging and momentous one, for the world in general and for the Middle East in particular. It is remarkable that Jordan has managed to navigate the numerous challenges it faced and appears, nowadays, as an example of stability and moderation in a troubled region, Santos said in a delegation statement.

“Jordan is today a safe haven for scores and scores of refugees from Palestine, Iraq and Syria. The stabilising role of Jordan, under the rule of King Abdullah II, is a tribute to our common humanity and an important contribution to peace and stability in the whole Middle East and to our own European neighbourhood. In this respect, I salute the partnership between EU and Jordan in the defence of multilateralism and international law, notably in the context of the Middle East Peace Process,” he said.