King meets representatives, leading figures from Bir Al Sabe’ tribes

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Monday met with representatives and leading figures from Bir Al Sabe’ tribes, as part of the Basman Forum meetings, at the Royal Hashemite Court.

Speaking at the meeting, which continued over lunch attended by HRH Crown Prince Hussein, the King welcomed Bir Al Sabe’ tribes’ representatives, commending their patriotic stances, according to a Royal Court statement. 

His Majesty stressed that the priority is to improve citizens’ living standards, noting that the government will announce the third economic stimulus package soon, the statement said.

During the meeting, attended by Prime Minister Omar Razzaz, the King said he has directed the government to reduce spending in order to raise salaries for military and civil servants.

His Majesty said the goal is to alleviate the burden on citizens, noting that there will be no tax increases, according to the statement. 

The King added that he has directed the relevant authorities to reach out to members of Bir Al Sabe’ tribes to follow up on their needs and concerns, in order to reduce poverty and unemployment, stressing the importance of forming Bir Al Sabe’ community-based committees to this end.

For their part, the tribal leaders thanked His Majesty for continuing outreach to the public, commending the King’s efforts to improve citizens’ living standards and stressing their unity behind His Majesty’s leadership in safeguarding the nation and its achievements, the statement said.

The speakers expressed appreciation for the King’s position on the Palestinian cause and safeguarding Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem in line with the Hashemite Custodianship, praising His Majesty’s position in support of Arab and Islamic causes.

Also speaking at the meeting, Prime Minister Omar Razzaz said the government, upon Royal directives, will reach out to local communities around Jordan to understand their concerns and needs, noting that employment is a top priority.

Royal Hashemite Court Chief Yousef Issawi, Adviser to His Majesty for Communication and Coordination Bisher Al Khasawneh, Adviser to His Majesty for Policies and Media Kamal Al Nasser, Adviser to His Majesty for Tribal Affairs Saad Hayel Srour, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Maj. Gen. Yousef Huneiti, and Interior Minister Salameh Hammad attended the meeting, held as part of the Basman Forum meetings to maintain outreach to the public.