His Majesty King Abdullah II on Sunday visited the northern city of Irbid where he met local dignitaries and tribal figures who expressed concerns about their city related to education, health, youth, water and other vital sectors.

Tens of thousands of citizens lined the route of the royal motorcade to greet King Abdullah.

King Abdullah told more than 700 local figures and notables that with the resolve and dedication of its people, Jordan would surmount present challenges and press ahead with development, modernisation and progress.

He said the Kingdom is on a firm path with a clear vision of the future that can guarantee a better life for all Jordanians, "replete with knowledge, willpower, and the spirit of unity that confronts any attempt to tamper with national security, stability and unity.

King Abdullah expressed hope that all Jordanians would vote in elections scheduled to take place this year and elect the candidate most capable of serving the country and the national interest.