Happy 10th anniversary!

This year marks the 10th anniversary of His Majesty King Abdullah’s accession to the Throne, a decade of achievements Jordanians can take pride in.

This year alone has seen many accomplishments added to the long list of successes the Monarch worked to attain, most significant being his successful bid to reactivate the peace process in the Middle East on solid grounds.

That step was given a boost by the talks the King held with US President Barack Obama in Washington, and was buttressed by Obama’s speech in Cairo, which shows that His Majesty undeniably impressed the sense of urgency the issue imposes.

Nationally, the attainment of higher levels of socio-economic progress, particularly in housing, health, education and energy, is notable. Jordanians are better off year after year, due particularly to the King’s determination to improve life for citizens across the board.

Above all, it is the peace, stability, rule of law, democracy and human rights that have reached a new zenith during King Abdullah’s reign, and this makes this anniversary all the more special.

Jordanians feel good about their lives, content with the promise of a bright future and look forward to even better times: when health coverage becomes universal, elementary and secondary education even more accessible and affordable, and decent housing a reality for all.

Jordan has been weathering well the global economic crisis and has no reason to fear the future. Many of its successes are due to the efforts the Monarch has exerted, to his wise policies vis-à-vis the countries of the region and beyond, which helped build the confidence of the international community in the Kingdom, known for its stability, investment climate and infrastructure.

This recognition of the special role Jordan plays in regional affairs is well justified. It is the result of the wise leadership of this country whose people, acknowledged as the most precious asset, appreciate their lives and achievements.

We join the Jordanian family in wishing His Majesty happy anniversary and pray to God to keep him in the best of health, and successful in all his endeavours on our behalf.

jordantimes