Jordan today marks the 7th anniversary of His Majesty King Abdullah's accession to the Throne.
A convoy of floats decorated with flowers drove through the capital's streets to mark the occasion on Thursday.
Prime Minister Marouf Bakhit acted as patron at the parade, which started off from the Sport City and ended at Al Istiklal Street.
Participants in the parade, staged by the private and public sectors, carried flags and pictures of King Abdullah.
On the occasion, the King received cables from several heads of Arab and foreign states, as well as senior officials and officers in the country.
Since his accession to the Throne, King Abdullah has followed a reform and development approach in the country's political, economic and social fields.
He committed himself to pursue the construction of a modern Jordan and began the reform process as an essential step in order to meet the challenges of globalization while sustaining economic growth and improving living standards.
Work began on all fronts in order to improve and strengthen the national economy and overcome impediments obstructing the development process.
King Abdullah directed the government to take measures to improve investment opportunities in the country and create a suitable climate for attracting foreign direct investment so as to create job opportunities and enhance the living standards of citizens.
Economic reforms also took the form of pursuing productive partnerships between private and public sectors.
The country became a member of the World Trade Organization and has signed free trade agreements with Arab countries and the US, in addition to an association agreement with the EU.
Despite the challenges facing Jordan and the wider region, the King remains determined to bring his vision to reality. He continually stresses that he shares the goals and aspirations of his people and his vision is that of a prosperous country enjoying security and democracy and respect for human rights, a Jordan that will act as a model of a democratic Arab Muslim state.
The Jordan Times