King Abdullah II Attends the 79th Independence Day Ceremony - Jordan News
King Abdullah II Attends the 79th Independence Day Ceremony His Majesty King Abdullah II on Sunday attended the official ceremony held at Al Husseiniya Palace on the occasion of the 79th Independence Day of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, accompanied by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II. اضافة اعلان Upon His Majesty's arrival, escorted by the Red Motorcade, a 21-gun salute was fired in his honor. King Abdullah reviewed the guard of honor as the national anthem was played. The ceremony was attended by His Royal Highness Prince Hashem bin Abdullah II, several members of the Royal Family, Sherifs, and other dignitaries. Heads of the three branches of government delivered speeches expressing pride in Jordan's achievements under His Majesty's leadership and reaffirmed their commitment to continue building and modernizing the country in service of its progress and prosperity. Prime Minister Dr. Jaafar Hassan stated in his address that Independence Day is a celebration of the nation's aspirations and identity, shaped by the dedication and sacrifices of every Jordanian citizen. He described Jordan as a nation grounded in principles, strengthened by its leadership, united by its people, steadfast in justice, and loyal to its values and Arab identity. He noted that Jordanians have safeguarded their independence over the past seventy-nine years, reinforcing the Kingdom's role as a pillar of stability and development in a turbulent region. He emphasized that the Palestinian cause remains a national and unwavering position. The Prime Minister added, 'Today, we witness a nation that has persevered through decades of development and sacrifice. We see Your Majesty safeguarding the dreams of Jordanians with renewed hope, as the institutions of the state work to implement the comprehensive modernization vision across its three main tracks, with firm resolve.' He stressed that modernization is not a choice but the essence of Jordan's future, a symbol of its enduring independence and continuous progress, founded on the rule of law, a productive and competitive national economy, and the development of capable Jordanian citizens. Senate President Faisal Al-Fayez congratulated His Majesty and the Jordanian people, recalling the accomplishments and sacrifices of the Hashemite kings in building and protecting the nation. He said the same spirit of heroism and sacrifice embodied by Sharif Hussein bin Ali lives on through his sons, grandsons, and the loyal Jordanian people. Al-Fayez praised King Abdullah's leadership, which has enabled Jordan to embrace modernity, overcome challenges, and achieve progress despite regional instability. He affirmed that regional issues have never distracted His Majesty from the Palestinian cause, which remains a core national concern. He commended the King's initiative to support and relieve the people of Gaza through humanitarian aid. He also expressed pride in the Jordan Armed Forces – Arab Army and security agencies, recognizing their loyalty, integrity, and dedication to safeguarding the nation. Speaker of the House of Representatives Ahmad Safadi highlighted the King's role in advancing Jordan's development and enhancing its global standing amid regional and global challenges. 'Your Majesty, we in the legislative authority pledge to follow the course you have set out for us in political, administrative, and economic reform—not as a duty alone, but as a national necessity,' he said. Safadi emphasized that the legislature will continue to promote democracy, freedom, diversity, and progress within the framework of the Constitution and the rule of law. He saluted the armed forces and security agencies for their vital role in protecting the country. President of the Judicial Council Mahmoud Al-Ababneh spoke about the significance of independence, not merely as a historical moment, but as a defining national milestone achieved through sacrifice and commitment, led by the Hashemite dynasty with religious and historical legitimacy. He stated that the Jordanian judiciary has aligned itself with the values of independence, ensuring justice is delivered in accordance with the Constitution and the law, with the continuous support and guidance of His Majesty. Al-Ababneh affirmed the judiciary's commitment to modernization and development through structured plans, focusing on training qualified young judges and enhancing their skills through specialized programs to meet the evolving needs of legal, social, and economic systems. He expressed pride in His Majesty's wise positions in defending Arab and Islamic causes, especially the Palestinian cause, and safeguarding Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem under the Hashemite Custodianship. The ceremony was attended by senior civil and military officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and representatives from political parties, civil society institutions, and various public organizations.
—(Petra)
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