King voices pride in Jordan’s advanced COVID-19 response

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday commended Jordan’s efforts over the past months in countering coronavirus disease (COVID-19), which set the Kingdom apart from the rest of the world.

At a meeting with representatives from a number of governorates at Al Husseiniya Palace, attended by HRH Crown Prince Hussein and held as part of a series of outreach meetings, King Abdullah voiced pride in Jordan’s globally advanced COVID-19 response, according to a Royal Court statement.

His Majesty noted the role of the government, the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army (JAF), and security agencies in dealing with COVID-19.

The King stressed that the focus must be on improving citizens’ livelihoods and creating more employment opportunities for young people, noting that developing advanced agriculture is a priority.

His Majesty said Jordan has proven its ability to turn challenges into opportunities, calling for bolstering the productivity of sectors such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, medical supplies manufacturing and food processing, leading to more self-reliance.

Highlighting the Kingdom’s strong ties with fellow Arab countries, the King said Jordan stands with them as they work to counter the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic.

His Majesty praised JAF and security agencies for their efforts to safeguard Jordan’s borders.

The King reaffirmed Jordan’s unwavering position on the Palestinian cause, and its support for the Palestinian people in gaining their just and legitimate rights, stressing that any unilateral Israeli measure to annex lands in the West Bank is unacceptable.

For their part, the attendees commended His Majesty’s outreach with the public, praising the King’s directives to counter the COVID-19 pandemic.

They also lauded the government’s measures to mitigate the crisis and protect Jordanian lives and their wellbeing.

The attendees noted the Royal Decree calling for parliamentary elections, stressing that Jordan remains strong and is moving forward with reform despite regional and international conditions, and urging young Jordanians to actively participate in the elections.

Moreover, they emphasised the King’s role as Hashemite Custodian of Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, paying tribute to His Majesty’s steadfast position on the Palestinian cause.

 Calling for supporting light industries and the agricultural sector, the attendees criticised those who oppose measures to fight corruption.

They also stressed the need to address the issue of tribal “jalwa”, which is the traditional custom of forced relocation of all members of a certain tribe when one of its members commits murder.

Speaking at the meeting, Prime Minister Omar Razzaz said the King has directed the government to develop the agricultural sector to increase its production and employment capacity.

Acknowledging the challenge of unemployment, Prime Minister Razzaz said the government is cooperating with the private sector to encourage job seekers to overcome the culture of shame and to work in sectors such as agriculture and construction.

Commenting on fighting corruption, the prime minister said His Majesty’s directives are clear in stressing that no one is above the law.

Responding to comments on the practice of tribal “jalwa”, he added that the government is working to amend legislation while also changing the culture, noting that tribal figures and young Jordanians must also lend their support to these efforts.

Royal Hashemite Court Chief Yousef Issawi, Adviser to His Majesty for Communication and Coordination Bisher Al Khasawneh, Adviser to His Majesty for Tribal Affairs Saad Hayel Srour, Adviser to His Majesty for Policies and Media Kamal Al Nasser, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Maj. Gen. Yousef Huneiti attended the meeting.o