King reaffirms path to modernisation — observers

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah’s interview with Al Rai Arabic daily, published on Sunday, reassured Jordanians of the government’s continued work towards stabilising the local and regional situation, say observers.

This work continues in line with the Kingdom’s political modernisation process and the economic vision, they said. 

In the interview, the King encouraged the public to engage in partisan life, adding that the country is currently in the implementation phase of the political modernisation process. 

Mohammad Al Tal, a writer and political analyst, said that in the interview the King reassured Jordanians that their leadership is doing the best they can to stabilise the overall situation at local, regional and global levels. 

In addition to issues of partisan action, Tal added that “the King stated loud and clear that he fully supports the Palestinian cause”.  

Tal said that Palestinian people's right to establish an independent state in Palestine with Jerusalem as its capital is not just a concern for Palestinians, but is a top priority for Jordanians and their leadership as well. 

Chairman of the board of directors of the Jordan Press Foundation Maher Madadha said that the King’s interview has “brought hope to Jordanians and sent them reassuring messages”. 

Madadha believes the interview shows that print newspapers still hold importance among the media landscape in the Kingdom. 

Economist Wajdi Makhamreh said that His Majesty’s interview is “a comprehensive dialogue”. 

Makhamreh said that His Majesty stressed the importance of implementing the economic vision, a recently launched national roadmap that should continue across governments.

“There has to be a timeframe for the implementation,” Makhamreh said. 

He stated that the government has to follow up with the economic vision’s implementation process, as “accountability is key for the vision’s success”.  

“Jordanians are pinning huge hope on the economic vision,” Makhamreh told The Jordan Times. 

The economist added that the government is urging the reinforcement of private-public partnerships for the economy to thrive. 

“Attracting international and regional investments is key for implementing the vision,” said Makhamreh. 

Makhamreh stated that the Jordan’s geopolitical situation will positively contribute to the economy. 

Regional cooperation will help overcome water challenge as well as energy and food security challenges, he said, which will result in economic growth and help with unemployment among Jordanians.

Economist Hussam Ayesh said that in the interview the King shed light on the public’s main concerns. 

Ayash added that the King mentioned the government’s responsibility in preventing monopolies and controlling unjustified price hikes, “which are holding back our national economy”.