Proud to be Jordanian

Today we celebrate the 69th anniversary of independence. On this occasion precious to all Jordanians, I extend to His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein and to every Jordanian my heartiest congratulations.

The historic cohesion between the people and the leadership in Jordan has enabled the country to achieve a lot, remain faithful to its pan-Arab message, based on independence, solidarity and unity, and serve the causes of Arab and Islamic nations.

We celebrate today the achievement of men committed to their responsibilities and loyal to their leadership.

The independence was declared in 1946 by a unanimous decision by the legislature. Through their deputies in the assembly, it was thus all Jordanians who declared the independence of their country.

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan became the embodiment of the principles of the Great Arab Revolt that liberated the people and the land.

When I look at Jordan’s track record and see the distinguished international status Jordan has earned due to its role and message, I am aware of the hard work Jordanians and their leadership have exerted to make the country what it is now.

His Majesty King Abdullah II has always had faith in the youth’s ability to create, excel and give.

He has provided them with opportunities so that the country benefits from their potential, great minds and strong will.

We have achieved a lot and overcome difficult times with determination and resolve, and we have learned lessons from the challenges to continue our march forward.

It is crucial for the country to develop the youth’s capabilities.  For that to happen, they need to be equipped with adequate knowledge and education.

At the same time, we need to recognise the importance of health and sports, which build the personality of our young men and women, creating talent that can serve Jordan as a state, homeland and carrier of a message.

I look forward to the launch of the Crown Prince Foundation, after the draft law in this regard goes through constitutional channels to be ratified.

I hope that the foundation, geared towards serving Jordanian youth and their local communities, will attain the goals it has been created to achieve.

It should help entrench the concept of entrepreneurship among young people and provide them with facilities to unleash their potential and connect to social networks supportive of youth action.

The foundation will work to hone young people’s talent and help them acquire the experience necessary to place them in positions that push forward the creative and practical processes in the country.

For, it is experience that sharpens minds and gives a better opportunity to excel.

Our forebears passed on to us a country that boasts noble human principles on which the Great Arab Revolt was based. We, in turn, have to work hard to pass on to our children and grandchildren achievements they can pride themselves in.

Our founding fathers gave us grounds to cherish our country; the youth of today should guard its future with knowledge, skills and spirit of entrepreneurship as their weapons.

The youth should be assets for a dynamic Jordan that can achieve goals and overcome challenges.

I wish that with every independence anniversary we celebrate, we will have a stronger and better Jordan that will make us all stand tall, proud to be Jordanians.