Jordan is well on its way to the future – King

AMMAN (JT) – The Arab Spring represents a season of opportunity and growth, His Majesty King Abdullah said late Tuesday.

In a speech he delivered at the Arab-British Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) in London on Tuesday night during a celebration to mark its 35th anniversary, the King reiterated that the Middle East is currently witnessing historic changes, with every country going through its own path.

“We meet at an historic time for my region. Each of our countries has had its own, distinct path. But one name has come to describe it all: the Arab Spring… a season of transition, growth, turbulence and hope,” he said.

His Majesty elaborated that “much depends on what happens next”, suggesting three reasons for “confidence”: the inclusiveness of events, the centrality of human dignity and global awareness.

“The Arab Spring belonged to no single group. We saw people from many communities and sectors. Youth and women both played notable roles,” he said, stressing that this is in line with the important role of youth, a majority in the region, and women, “half of humankind”.

“I believe there will be no going back from the participation we have seen. And we need these productive energies, for solutions to move forward.”

King Abdullah, who returned to the Kingdom late Wednesday, stressed that the calls for human dignity and respect for every person have been central throughout the waves of the Arab Spring.

“This spirit is vital. Positive change must go beyond formal structures. It must involve a way of life, built on shared values: fairness, accountability, the rule of law, respect for each other.”

The Arabs, he said, have come to play an active role in global conversation, seeking to “help lead the progress of the age”.

“The Arab people simply will not be shut out of the worldwide partnership of humanity. This is a platform for even deeper global cooperation – region-to-region, business-to-business, people-to-people.”

The King added that many challenges must be overcome in bringing today’s expectations to reality, underscoring the region’s high rate of unemployment.

“Smart economic policy is critical, to support inclusive, jobs-generating growth. We also need good governance – for predictable, level playing fields, and a strong foundation of stable political life.”

Partnerships with “international friends who recognise the strategic role of the Middle East in the future we share” are also necessary for the region’s progress, he said.

The King said Jordan is well on its way to the future, citing the new constitutional amendments to protect civil rights and ensure the separation of the three branches of government, and ongoing work to establish a constitutional court and an independent elections commission.

“Meanwhile, we are working with determination to develop national parties and political life… In economic policy, our focus is on jobs-rich growth, innovation and new enterprise.”

His Majesty highlighted growth in various sectors, including tourism, health services, engineering and other areas.

“I am deeply grateful to the GCC [Gulf Cooperation Council] states for their support for Jordan’s accession – a strong signal of confidence in our country’s global access, safety and growth potential.”

For the region to achieve its full potential, the indivisible principles of dignity, opportunity, democracy, peace and justice must be reached, he said, reiterating the need to honour the dignity, rights and dreams of the Palestinian people.

“The Arab states have spoken with a united voice on behalf of a just peace: two states, with a sovereign, viable and independent Palestine, on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with UN resolutions, resolving all final status issues, with security and acceptance for Israel.”

“Tonight I ask for your partnership in the work of peace as well as prosperity, to get the parties to the negotiation tables and a final agreement.”

King Abdullah stressed that the power of partnership is crucial to move the Middle East, a strategic region, forward through the waves of change.

“Friends that join us will share in our success… and send a positive signal that earns trust across the Arab world,” he said.

In the conclusion of his visit to London, His Majesty took part in a panel discussion with the participation of several senior British economic, political, military and intellectual figures.

During the discussion, organised by the Royal Institute of International Affairs, also known as Chatham House, he highlighted Jordan’s comprehensive reform drive and the political transformation witnessed in the Arab region and its impact on the future.

jordantimes