King meets local community leaders in Jerash

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday reaffirmed moving forward with the three modernisation tracks, stressing that “there is no going back on political, administrative and economic reforms”.

During a meeting with a number of local community leaders in Jerash attended by HRH Crown Prince Hussein, King Abdullah said it is everyone’s responsibility to support these reforms and to work as a team on implementation, according to a Royal Court statement.

His Majesty highlighted the importance of cooperation among all institutions to serve Jerash Governorate and the local community.

The King said Jordan’s tourism numbers are improving, as reflected in the increase in the number of visitors.

Describing Jerash as among the world’s most beautiful places, His Majesty said further support is needed to capitalise on the governorate’s potential in tourism and agriculture.

Turning to regional and international concerns, the King reiterated Jordan’s firm position towards the Palestinian issue and its support for the Palestinians, pointing to the Kingdom’s pivotal role on various regional and international issues, as well as its deep-rooted ties with countries around the world.

Attendees welcomed His Majesty and the Crown Prince in Jerash, commending the King’s outreach to the public.

They also commended His Majesty’s directives to move forward with the three modernisation tracks, pointing to the King’s position towards Arab and Islamic causes, foremost of which is the Palestinian cause and safeguarding Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem.

They called for promoting investment opportunities in Jerash that expand on its tourism and agricultural advantages.

For his part, Prime Minister Bisher Khasawneh addressed some comments on the Jerash industrial city, noting that the project has been stagnant over the past 10 years as it does not match Jerash’s needs and potential, adding that the government has met with the local community to discuss suitable means to revamp the project.

He said the government is studying establishing a project at the site allocated for the industrial city, to be completed within one year, for an eco-friendly city that complements Jerash’s advantages in agriculture, tourism and industry.

Turning to modernisation, Khasawneh said implementation will continue across governments, expressing seriousness in engaging all stakeholders.

Also speaking at the meeting, Royal Hashemite Court Chief Yousef Issawi said a new group of Royal initiatives will be implemented in Jerash, including residential units, and others in productive projects, sports, development and education sectors.

He said projects that were implemented in Jerash as part of Royal initiatives have so far exceeded JD20 million, in education, health, social development, supporting productive projects, municipal affairs and tourism.

Director of the Office of His Majesty Jafar Hassan, Adviser to His Majesty for Tribal Affairs Atef Hajaya, Interior Minister Mazen Farraya, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Maj. Gen. Yousef Huneiti, Public Security Directorate Director Maj. Gen. Obaidallah Maaytah, and Jerash Governor Firas Faour attended the meeting.