King visits Salt, meets Balqa leading figures

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday said modernisation plans for the political, economic, and administrative tracks for the next decade have been completed, and implementation is now up to governments.

At a meeting in the city of Salt with leading figures from Balqa Governorate, attended by HRH Crown Prince Hussein, the King said governments must work in the field to ensure proper implementation, according to a Royal Court statement.

King Abdullah urged investing in the tourism and agriculture opportunities in Balqa, noting that the government is working on projects to utilise state-owned agricultural land, in collaboration with the private sector.

His Majesty highlighted Jordan’s strong ties with fellow Arab countries and efforts to implement regional projects and build partnerships, reaffirming the importance of including the Palestinians in regional projects.

The King reiterated Jordan’s full support for the Palestinian people in seeking their just and legitimate rights, stressing the importance of safeguarding the rights of Muslims and Christians in Jerusalem.

His Majesty also spoke about Jordan’s efforts to counter the spread of drugs, commending the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army and security agencies.

The King directed Prime Minister Bisher Khasawneh and the Cabinet to visit Balqa soon to follow up on residents’ concerns.

Speakers at the meeting welcomed His Majesty’s visit, expressing appreciation for the King’s keenness to reach out to the public and hear their concerns.

They commended His Majesty’s positions in support of Arab causes, especially the Palestinian cause.

The speakers also highlighted a number of issues concerning Balqa Governorate and provided suggestions to address them.

For his part, Prime Minister Khasawneh said the government will work to implement the three modernisation tracks, stressing that administrative reform is the cornerstone of the political and economic modernisation tracks.

Royal Hashemite Court Chief Yousef Issawi said that over the years 2006-2022, JD29 million-worth of Royal initiatives were implemented in education, health, and social development, as well as in support of youth, women empowerment and entrepreneurial projects.

Plans are also moving forward to construct 100 housing units and a factory that would provide 400 job opportunities, he added.

Director of the Office of His Majesty Jafar Hassan, Adviser to His Majesty for Tribal Affairs Atef Hajaya, Public Security Directorate Director Maj. Gen. Hussein Hawatmeh, and Balqa Governor Firas Abu Qaoud attended the meeting.