King meets military retirees, reaffirms Jordan’s unwavering position on Palestinian cause

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday stressed that Jordan’s position on the Palestinian cause remains unwavering, reaffirming that any unilateral Israeli measures to annex lands in the West Bank are unacceptable.

During a meeting with a number of military retirees, the King said Jordan has clearly expressed its steadfast position that such measures would undermine chances to achieve peace and stability in the region, according to a Royal Court statement. 

Jordan has always looked out for the Palestinian people’s interest and will continue to do so, His Majesty said at the meeting, attended by Prime Minister Omar Razzaz, highlighting ongoing coordination with a number of Arab and European countries in this regard.

The King noted Jordan’s strong relations with Arab countries, citing ties with Egypt and commending the United Arab Emirates’ diplomatic efforts, led by Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the crown prince of Abu Dhabi and the deputy supreme commander of the UAE Armed Forces, in support of Jordan and the Palestinian cause.

His Majesty stressed the importance of measures to enhance the living standards of military retirees, directing the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army (JAF) to support them through housing projects and the distribution of agricultural land, by cooperating with the government and relevant institutions, the statement said.

Expressing confidence in JAF active and retired personnel, as well as security agencies’ personnel, the King urged them to put forward suggestions that help serve Jordan’s progress.

Commenting on the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis, His Majesty said it could also lead to a global food security crisis, but noted that Jordan has adopted plans to ensure it maintains a safe stock of basic food items.

The King reiterated his call to invest in Jordan’s successful handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, which could help the Kingdom play a key role as a regional hub in a number of sectors, while investing in its medical and pharmaceutical potential, according to the statement. 

His Majesty also commended the strong coordination among the government, the JAF, security agencies, and other state institutions to counter COVID-19, stressing that the crisis is not over yet.

Speaking at the meeting, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Maj. Gen. Yousef Huneiti said the JAF, upon His Majesty’s directives, is working on a housing project for military retirees, with apartments in Irbid and Zarqa, as well as plans to distribute pieces of land in Amman’s Tabarbour area.

Maj. Gen. Huneiti stressed that the JAF strives to enhance the living conditions of its retirees, the statement said. 

He also highlighted the army’s commitment to its structuring and development plan, in order to maintain a high level of professionalism.

For their part, the military retirees praised the King’s efforts at the regional and international levels in defence of national principles and Arab issues, especially the Palestinian cause, according to the statement. 

They stressed the need to fortify the internal front to bolster Jordan's ability to face economic, regional and international conditions.

Lauding Jordan’s success in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, the military retirees called for replicating these efforts when addressing other issues of public concern.