His Majesty King Abdullah on Friday attended a ceremony at Raghadan Palace marking the 66th anniversary of Jordan’s independence.

At the ceremony, attended by Her Majesty Queen Rania and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Hussein, speakers highlighted the importance of Independence Day, noting that independence, from its first day, represented an opportunity for Jordanians to seek progress and development. Speakers also stressed Jordanians’ allegiance to the Royal Family and their support for the reform process.

At the ceremony, the King conferred Royal decorations on several national institutions and figures, in recognition of their achievements and contributions to the country’s drive towards development.

Prime Minister Fayez Tarawneh addressed the ceremony emphasising the country’s progress towards reform through new legislation to foster openness, democracy, justice, equality, freedom and partnership. The premier paid tribute to Jordan’s forefathers, recalling their sacrifices to achieve and preserve independence.

Jordan won full independence from the British mandate and was declared a Kingdom on May 25, 1946.

Reiterating the importance of safeguarding the country’s achievements, Senate President Taher Masri said Jordan’s clear vision and sound management were the pillars of its security and stability. In his speech, Masri expressed confidence that the Arab Spring in Jordan would lead to freedom and progress, rather than bloodshed and insecurity as in some other Arab countries. Highlighting Jordan’s freedom, he recalled Al Aqsa Mosque, the holy city of Jerusalem and the Palestinian people, noting that they are still living under occupation and expressing Jordan’s support for their rights.

Lower House Speaker Abdul Karim Dughmi also delivered a speech, in which he expressed his pride in the Arab legion and its sacrifices and pledged MPs’ allegiance to the Royal Family and their efforts to achieve the King’s vision of reform.