His Majesty King Abdullah, accompanied by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Hussein, met with dignitaries and representatives from the Gheiath, Sharafat, Athammat, Al Issa and Suradiyeh tribes and inquired about their needs in Northern Badia.

King Abdullah said Prime Minister Awn Khasawneh and a ministerial team will visit the area soon to help solve the problems facing the people there.

In their remarks, residents and tribal leaders welcomed the King and the Crown Prince, noting that their visit reflects the solid relations between the Hashemite Throne and the people. They expressed confidence in the King and in the country’s reform drive, expressing their allegiance to the Hashemites.

Several speakers delivered speeches, commending the King’s efforts to achieve political, economic and social reforms and highlighting the positive impact of the reform drive on the country. Reform efforts have led to Jordan’s modernisation and strengthened justice, freedom and equality, they noted. They also expressed regret over irresponsible attacks against members of the Kingdom’s security agencies that attempted to undermine state authority, lauding the country’s high level of security and stability.

One of the Sharafat tribe leaders, Senator Sweilem Safian, said: “It is painful to see some irresponsible acts against the state,” rejecting “the phenomenon of attacks against Public Security Department personnel”. “We don’t accept any offence against the men who are up day and night defending the Kingdom…” he added. Safian warned that “too much talk” about corruption has harmed the Kingdom’s tourism industry.

Other tribal leaders rejected calls to limit the authority of the King, who is the “guarantor of unity and stability”. They confirmed that reform is not accomplished by destroying previous achievements, but through legitimate and clear demands, stemming out of love for the country and commitment to serve its people.

The leader of Al Issa tribe, Talal Seetan Madi, highlighted the role of the Constitution as the charter that defines the relation between the King and the people, stressing the need for a modern elections law to produce a fully representative Parliament.

Highlighting their needs, badia leaders called for solutions to poverty and unemployment. They requested that residents be appointed to public and private institutions. They also underscored the need for completing some development, health and education projects.