His Majesty King Abdullah on Sunday said officials should work to improve conditions in Maan as soon as possible, highlighting projects to be implemented in the southern governorate.

At a meeting at the Royal Hashemite Court with representatives and leading figures from Maan, King Abdullah expressed pride in the southern governorate and its residents, noting that they have always sought the best interest of the country, and it is the duty of all officials to develop the conditions there as soon as possible.

His Majesty stressed that the governorate is an important, integral part of Jordan that deserves due government attention.

Referring to challenges facing Maan, the King highlighted economic projects to be established in the governorate, 220km south of Amman.

Foremost of these are the land port and the railway between Maan and Aqaba, His Majesty said, adding that it is also important to examine proposals for establishing an economic bridge between the two governorates to provide job opportunities for the younger generation.

The King said he has directed the government to expedite work to implement the land port project and to prepare its budget by the beginning of 2016.

His Majesty said priority will also be given to the Aqaba-Maan railway project in order to pave the way for Maan’s development.

“It is everyone’s responsibility to work on establishing links among security, political and economic issues, to enable us to resolve problems,” the King added.

His Majesty asserted combating poverty and unemployment in partnership with all concerned remains a top priority.

Noting that there is a focus on renewable energy projects, the King said some have already been established and priority will be given to the southern region in light of the job opportunities these projects should provide.

His Majesty also stressed the importance of support for agricultural and livestock projects that can be implemented in Maan through adopting new, cost-effective methods.

Turning to medical services, the King said: “We are working today with the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army to expedite the implementation of hospital projects and army healthcare centres.”

His Majesty told Maan community leaders that providing training for young people is a strategic goal for him.

“It is not enough to attract investments and open factories; it is necessary to invest in Jordanian citizens and their potentials.”

Companies that wish to invest in renewable energy and technology projects should make use of young people by establishing a vocational training centre to hone their skills, besides providing scholarships to further qualify them, the King added.

Turning to the situation in Jerusalem, Israeli violations and Jordan’s firm stance on these breaches, His Majesty said “after we have heard the statements of the Israeli prime minister on the issue, we will test the measures implemented on the ground.”

The King explained that Jordan will follow up on the positions of the Israeli side regarding the issue of dividing prayer times or space at Al Aqsa Mosque, noting that this is totally unacceptable for Jordan.

“For us, this is a red line,” His Majesty said.

“When I talk about Al Haram Al Sharif, I mean its entire 144-dunum area,” the King pointed out, saying that this explanation prevents any confusion about the Jordanian stance in this regard.

Tackling regional developments, His Majesty said “the priority remains to protect the borders in the north and the east,” stressing confidence in the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army and the Kingdom’s security bodies.

Regarding Russia’s role in Syria, the King said this has been discussed with President Vladimir Putin on several occasions, with the assertion that safeguarding Jordan’s border is a priority.

Present cooperation and coordination — with Russia and others — is in the country’s interest, His Majesty noted.

For the crisis in Syria, “there is no solution other than the political one,” the King said.

At the meeting, Royal Hashemite Court Chief Fayez Tarawneh highlighted Royal initiatives that have been coordinated with the government and which will be implemented by the Royal Hashemite Court in a bid to serve development sectors and boost cultural life in Maan.