The Jordanian King: We built, developed, and worked hard We succeeded, we made mistakes, and we were keen to correct the missteps

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Jordanian King Abdullah II addressed the people on Sunday evening, on the occasion of the silver jubilee of assuming his constitutional powers.

King Abdullah II said in his speech, "We never hesitated. With confidence, we built, developed, and worked hard. We succeeded and made mistakes, and we were always keen to modernize and correct stumbling blocks, so as not to deviate from our goals and ambitions."

He said, "I stand among you today after a quarter of a century. Twenty-five years were not devoid of challenges, but they were filled with your achievements during a period of turbulent events in the world, during which we and you faced the consequences of successive wars and crises, the likes of which the region had never witnessed."

He added, "Our Jordanian national identity was and will remain a source of stability and strength that unites us in the face of dangers, and with it we protected the path of the state and society. Behind the banner we united in the face of the Kharijites and the people of strife, and we overcame the chaos of the region, so protecting Jordan from its fire was our priority."

He continued, addressing the Jordanians, "I see the sincerity of a teacher who carried out the most noble message to build a generation, and the determination of a young man who took the initiative and accomplished to build the nation. I see in them the courage of the soldier who rushed to the border to help a mother and her children to reach safety, and the humanity of the doctor who did not hesitate, even for a moment, to support his brothers under the bombing and in the midst of battles."

He said, "Twenty-five years since I assumed the responsibility of serving this country Jordan is dear to its land and its people, and I see in it men, women and youth, with raised foreheads, high aspirations and authentic values...Everywhere in this good fever, I see the sacrifice of fathers and mothers who did not spare An effort to raise up their sons and daughters. I see that Jordanian who persevered and excelled, who stood up for his oppressed brother and sheltered those who came to us seeking safety. I see men and women who built, created, innovated, and raised the name of Jordan high, wherever they were. This is the Jordanian who I know him and I brag about him to the world, with the pride and confidence of his people, a people who have won the respect of nations for their positions, principles, humanity, and noble morals.”

He continued, "Success today depends on talent, competencies, and human capabilities. Jordan is rich in youth energy, potential, experience, and economic relations with the world. We have broad prospects for increasing investment in various promising fields and sectors."

King Abdullah II affirmed, “Today I stand among a great and proud people. I have been honored to faithfully serve them, and I am proud to be Jordanian. Jordan is achievement in the harshest circumstances, perseverance in the most difficult times, and steadfastness in the truth in the most difficult situations. This is the Jordan to which we belong.” “The Jordan that we built together... Today I thank you, for you have always been by my side. I draw will and optimism from my large family throughout this great country, and from my small family, love and strength. My pledge to you is that Jordan will remain free, dignified, safe and reassured.”

Jordan is suffering from great pressure as a result of the Syrian crisis and the resulting influx of refugees into the Kingdom, in addition to the consequences of the bloody Israeli war on the Gaza Strip, which led to major economic shocks and difficulties facing Jordan.