His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday said with the determination and will of all Jordanians, the country will be able to overcome all challenges and build a better future for Jordanians.

King Abdullah made his remarks at a meeting with more than 3,000 tribal leaders and representatives of the Bani Hassan. The meeting was also attended by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Hussein.

The King said Jordan will remain an oasis of stability and security and that Jordanians’ dignity, interests and living conditions will remain top priorities.

Stressing his pride in the Bani Hassan, which is concentrated in the eastern parts of the Kingdom, the King recalled the clan’s honourable stances since Jordan’s founding and and its role in defending and preserving the country’s security and stability.

King Abdullah instructed concerned authorities to address the tribe’s concerns and needs, which has branches in the Zarqa, Mafraq and Jerash governorates.
Tens of thousands or area residents lined the streets of Balaama in Mafraq to greet the King.

Parliamentarians representing the area attended the meeting alongside tribal leaders and MPs representing the areas pledged allegiance to the Hashemites and support for the reform process in the country.

MP Abdul Karim Dughmi stressed the tribe’s support for the reform process, saying the process is not new, but has always been the approach taken by its rulers since the creation of the Kingdom 90 years ago. Meanwhile, Sheikh Nayef Khawaldeh reviewed the concerns of the tribe and asked that the location of the planned nuclear reactor be reconsidered. Mafraq is a possible location for the reactor.

In a speech, MP Samia Eleimat urged greater support for farmers and livestock breeders in the area and more concern for youth needs.

She also called for the establishment of a sports facility in Mafraq governorate and urged empowering women in the area through income-generating projects.

Participants also called for creating a fund to support poor students, youth centres and projects designed to alleviate poverty and unemployment.