King, Queen attend Independence Day celebration

AMMAN (JT) –– Their Majesties King Abdullah and Queen Rania, along with HRH Crown Prince Hussein, on Tuesday attended a celebration held by Prime Minister Samir Rifai on the occasion of the 64th anniversary of the Independence Day.

Rifai delivered a speech, in which he cited the Kingdom’s achievements and King Abdullah’s initiatives, such as the Hashemite Charity Caravans, the Social Safety Net, Decent Housing for Decent Living and the Amman Message, among others.

He underlined the Monarch’s efforts to enhance freedom and democracy, and empower women and youths, highlighting that Jordan has become a model for economic and political openness due to its adoption of a comprehensive development approach.

Rifai underlined that King Abdullah’s efforts to bring about peace have “broken the silence of the international community” over Israeli attempts to Judaise the Islamic and Christian sites in Jerusalem.

Highlighting the King’s efforts to support the rights of citizens and their right to free elections, the premier said the government has drawn up several plans to ensure transparency in the election process and encourage citizens to practise their rights in selecting their representatives.

He stressed Jordan’s determination and courage in fighting extremism and attempts to sow the seeds of sedition or tamper with the security of the country and citizens.

Senate President Taher Masri also delivered a speech highlighting the importance of the Independence Day and achievements realised in Jordan over the past 64 years.

In his speech, Masri remarked that when Jordan achieved its independence more than six decades ago, the leadership and the people of the country undertook their responsibilities to start the ongoing development process.

The wars and the catastrophes that took place in the region over the years made many people across the world think that the fate of Jordan was at stake, but Jordan won the bet and unity between Jordanians has become stronger, he stated, adding that Jordanians will continue to protect the Kingdom’s independence and maximise Jordan’s achievements because they believe in their national unity as the first guarantee for building a stronger Jordan.

Several Royal family members along with Arab and foreign ambassadors, religious leaders, military and security officers attended the ceremony, held at the Prime Ministry.

The country won its full independence and was declared a Kingdom on May 25, 1946 following the end of the British mandate.

All ministries, public institutions and banks observed Tuesday as a holiday to mark the occasion.

jordantimes