Jordan’s interests come first — King

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Thursday stressed that safeguarding Jordan’s interests “tops national priorities”.

During a meeting with military retirees at the residence of retired Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Khawaldeh in Mafraq, 80km northeast of Amman, King Abdullah underscored the role of the Jordan Armed Forces and security bodies in securing the country’s borders and safeguarding the security of the Kingdom and its citizens. 

In this context, His Majesty highlighted the high vigilance of state institutions which he said are continuously monitoring regional conditions in a manner that guarantees a quick response and speedy action under various circumstances, according to a Royal Court statement.  

Expressing his pride in retired servicemen, the King said they represent “the country’s second line of defence”. 

At the meeting, the Monarch directed the Royal Court to set up clubs in various governorates for the military retirees, to be gradually constructed in accordance with available resources and their priorities.

Regarding domestic challenges, he asserted that improving the living conditions of Jordanians, mitigating poverty and reducing unemployment among young people will remain at the top of the economic priorities. 

King Abdullah highlighted Jordan’s economic burdens as a result of hosting more than 1.3 million Syrians and the growing pressures on the country’s infrastructure, especially in the northern governorates. 

The Kingdom also faces energy problems due to the continued disruption of Egyptian gas supplies, the King said, highlighting hopes to revive the economy through the 10-year economic blueprint.

His Majesty had directed the government to prepare an economic plan for the coming 10 years, in cooperation with the various concerned entities to propel economic growth by attracting further investments to provide more jobs. 

With regard to regional developments, especially the fallout of the “brutal Israeli aggression on Gaza”, the King said Jordan’s priority has been securing a sustainable end to the offensive and ending the suffering of the Palestinian people in the strip. 

He highlighted Jordan’s contacts with key regional and international parties, mainly at the UN Security Council and the UN Human Rights Council to bring to light the brutal crimes perpetrated against the Palestinians which violate all international and humanitarian accords. 

King Abdullah shed light on Jordan’s efforts through its membership at the UN Security Council, its intensive contacts with member states and the draft resolution it has submitted on Gaza, on behalf of the Arab group. 

The resolution calls for lifting the siege on Gaza and includes a plan to rebuild the strip. It was prepared after consulting with the Palestinian side and Arab countries, His Majesty said.

King Abdullah reaffirmed that Jordan will continue to stand by the Palestinians with all its capabilities and continue to provide them with relief aid and medical supplies.

The attendees expressed their appreciation of the King’s commitment to maintaining contact with all Jordanians and to listen to them and learn about their issues. 

The retired servicemen underlined the importance of citizenship and having a strong sense of belonging to the country and the Hashemite leadership, noting that the Kingdom should come first, especially in light of external and internal challenges.

They asked for improving the conditions of military retirees, noting that the government and its institutions should maintain contact with them and brief them on domestic and external developments. 

Emphasising that everybody should abide by the law, they said outlaws, who represent a minority in society, should be dealt with firmly and in a manner that achieves a balance between safeguarding the interests of the state and those of citizens. 

The retirees also called for reviewing school curricula on civic studies and expanding the military training programme for students. 

Moreover, they highlighted the challenges facing Mafraq Governorate, where thousands of Syrians have taken refuge.

They called on the government to increase allocations for Mafraq to deal with growing burdens resulting from the refugee influx, especially in the education, health and service sectors. 

The retired servicemen suggested proposals to address unemployment, such as increasing the investment volume at the Mafraq Development Zone, monitoring guest workers, and raising the minimum wage to encourage young Jordanians to join the labour market.