His Majesty King Abdullah II affirmed that we have a lot ahead to develop Jordan politically, economically, and socially, and we look forward to stamping out poverty and unemployment and create job opportunities.



"Jordan First" slogan has motivated all Jordanians to take part in decision-making, and it is being embodied through work, loyalty and achievement, and the slogan means equal opportunities and justice, King Abdullah said in an interview with the Kuwaiti Daily "Asseyasah" published on Saturday.



The King stressed that we have an absolute confidence in our
regional and international stand, and we are satisfied with our role
towards our brethren in Palestine and Iraq as well as towards all
Arab and.


Islamic issues. At the time, we are concerned with the future of our
people, because when Jordan is internally strong with stronger social
and economic situation, then our support for our brethren will be
stronger, too.


''We all share the responsibility to enable the Iraqis build
their country, help speed up the transformation of authority to Iraqis,
establish a national Iraqi government, that represents all segments
of the Iraqi people and able to meet hopes and aspirations of the
Iraq people," the King said.



In reply to a question on whether terrorism is being curbed
or it is increasing, King Abdullah said the more we see terrorists
attacking haphazardly and unconsciously, certainly means they are
more fumbling about. What we have seen in Saudi Arabia is really very
painful and stunning for all of us simply because the terrorists are
from our folk and the targets are Arabs and Moslems. Security and
stability in Saudi Arabia is part of our security and affects us.


Why is this Islamic country, which saves no effort in serving issues
of Islam and Moslems, is being targeted by terrorists? King Abdullah
questioned.


On Jordan's relations with the Arab Gulf states, King Abdullah
said our relations are very distinctive and can be ideal. We share
the same interests and the same concerns. Most of my talks in the
Gulf focus on economic cooperation because in my view this is what
our peoples are concerned with. If we want to build a future for the
Middle East and promote trade and economic coordination, we have to
cooperate in economic spheres, and that is why I have started to encourage
the private sector to assume its role, the King added. The private
sector would have a stronger influence than the government on the
future of the Arab states, he said.


In reply to economic situation in Jordan, King Abdullah said
securing oil supplies is still an itchy problem for Jordan and it
has its effect on the budget and economic and social development plans.
The King thanked Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates
for providing Jordan with oil during the war on Iraq. If those countries
continue their support to us our national economy will be relieved,
the King added.