King meets representatives of Maan, expresses pride in governorate

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Sunday said officials should work to improve conditions in Maan as soon as possible, highlighting projects to be implemented in the southern governorate.

At a meeting at the Royal Court with representatives and leading figures from Maan, the King expressed pride in the southern governorate and its residents, noting that they have always sought the best interest of the country, and it is the duty of all officials to develop the conditions there as soon as possible. 

King Abdullah stressed that the governorate is an important, integral part of Jordan that deserves due government attention, according to a Royal Court statement. 

“Maan is for us and has rights, I hereby say once again,” His Majesty told attendees.   

Referring to challenges facing Maan, King Abdullah highlighted economic projects to be established in the governorate, 220km south of Amman.

Foremost of these are the land port and the railway between Maan and Aqaba, the King said, adding that it is also important to examine proposals for establishing an economic bridge between the two governorates to provide job opportunities for the younger generation. 

His Majesty said he has directed the government to expedite work to implement the land port project and to prepare its budget by the beginning of 2016.

He said priority will also be given to the Aqaba-Maan railway project in order to pave the way for Maan’s development.  

“It is everyone’s responsibility to work on establishing links among security, political and economic issues, to enable us to resolve problems,” the King added. 

His Majesty asserted combating poverty and unemployment in partnership with all concerned remains a top priority.

Noting that there is a focus on renewable energy projects, the King said some have already been established and priority will be given to the southern region in light of the job opportunities these projects should provide.

He also stressed the importance of support for agricultural and livestock projects that can be implemented in Maan through adopting new, cost-effective methods.

Turning to medical services, the King said: “We are working today with the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army to expedite the implementation of hospital projects and army healthcare centres.”    

The King told Maan community leaders that providing training for young people is a strategic goal for him. 

“It is not enough to attract investments and open factories; it is necessary to invest in Jordanian citizens and their potentials.” 

Companies that wish to invest in renewable energy and technology projects should make use of young people by establishing a vocational training centre to hone their skills, besides providing scholarships to further qualify them, the King added.

Jerusalem and region

Turning to the situation in Jerusalem, Israeli violations and Jordan’s firm stance on these breaches, the King said “after we have heard the statements of the Israeli prime minister on the issue, we will test the measures implemented on the ground.”

King Abdullah explained that he will follow up on the positions of the Israeli side regarding the issue of dividing prayer times or space at Al Aqsa Mosque, noting that this is totally unacceptable for Jordan.

“For us, this is a red line,” His Majesty said. 

“When I talk about Al Haram Al Sharif I mean its entire 144-dunum area,” the King pointed out, saying that this explanation prevents any confusion about the Jordanian stance in this regard.   

Tackling regional developments, King Abdullah said “the priority remains to protect the borders in the north and the east,”  stressing his confidence in the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army and the Kingdom’s security bodies. 

Regarding Russia’s role in Syria, His Majesty said this has been discussed with President Vladimir Putin on several occasions, with the assertion that safeguarding Jordan’s border is a priority.

Present cooperation and coordination — with Russia and others — is in the country’s interest,the King noted. 

For the crisis in Syria, “there is no solution other than the political one,” he said. 

Royal initiatives

The King congratulated the people of Maan on the newly established karate sports academy, stressing his support for its achievements. 

At the meeting, Royal Court Chief Fayez Tarawneh highlighted Royal initiatives that have been coordinated with the government and which will be implemented by the Royal Court in a bid to serve development sectors and boost cultural life in Maan.

These include the rehabilitation and development of the King Abdullah I Palace, which was built in 1908, to restore its historic value as a monument depicting the story of Jordan and its establishment. 

The King has also issued directives on maintaining Al Sharif Hussein Bin Ali Mosque (Grand Mosque of Maan), Tarawneh said. 

Moreover, 42 homes will be built for underprivileged families in Qasabat Maan, Shobak and Petra, while Maan Juvenile Centre will be transformed into a comprehensive community development centre. 

Maan representatives expressed their appreciation for the King’s meeting with them and his commitment to maintaining contacts with the Jordanian people at all times.

They highlighted the importance of projects recently opened in the governorate, including Shams Maan and a factory for the production of phosphoric acid. 

They also stressed the need for community service and health projects, and assistance for Al Hussein Bin Talal University.