Happy Independence Day, Jordan!

Jordan today celebrates its 69th Independence Day anniversary, at a time the region passes through one of the most critical periods in its history.

Regional developments certainly pose grave challenges and burdens to Jordan, but they have also tested and proved its resilience, as well as its people’s resolve to continue their march forward under their Hashemite leadership.

Despite the turmoil, every year Jordan proves stronger and more mature, with its leadership working to boost its modernisation drive while at the same time working to safeguard some of its greatest assets, its security and stability, in addition to constantly contributing to the development of its most valuable wealth: its human resources.

The regional challenges never deterred Jordan from working to improve the lot of its people by focusing on education, health, infrastructure, tourism and other fields, and attempting to enhance democratic values and practices to give the public a greater say in the decision-making process.

Recently, the Jordan 2025 blueprint, which sets a general, integrated outline to govern the country’s socio-economic policies, was launched at a ceremony attended by King Abdullah, and within days, the country hosted the World Economic Forum in which projects worth $20 billion were signed or announced in various sectors.

This is clearly a manifestation of the great promise Jordan carries as an oasis of peace and stability in this tumultuous region, and a vote of confidence of the world community in Jordan, not only politically and strategically, but as an investment hub.

Jordan has been using its achievements and strengths to serve not only its people, but also its neighbours and others in times of need.

Now the country hosts around 1.5 million Syrians who escaped the raging war in their country, doing all it can to help them despite its limited resources, just as it did with previous waves of Iraqi and Palestinian refugees.

At the same time, the country is also trying to help overcome regional and international challenges, particularly extremism and terrorism, which threaten global peace and security, along with its friends near and far.

For Jordan, the war on terror is not just a military effort, but also an ideological war, which should be waged by all, drawing from its experience and its values of moderation, peacefulness and brotherly coexistence for the followers of all faiths.

Challenges will never make Jordan swerve from its democratic drive.

The country will later this year witness municipal elections while also introducing amendments to the Elections Law.

Jordanians today celebrate Independence Day very proud of their achievements, working for a better future for their country, and praying for peace and security for their neighbours and brothers.