His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday reaffirmed that alleviating unemployment and creating sustainable job opportunities are the priorities this year.

During a follow-up meeting on the government’s employment plans—held at Al Husseiniya Palace and attended by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II—King Abdullah said countering unemployment requires public-private cooperation and coordination through clear plans, with regular follow-up.

His Majesty called for developing vocational training and technical education, as well as equipping youth with the skills that meet labour market needs.

The King highlighted the need for a change in mind-sets to remove the stigma associated with vocational jobs, noting that enrolment in vocational and technical programmes remains below expectations.

For his part, Prime Minister Bisher Khasawneh stressed the government’s readiness to empower the private sector through real partnership, while enhancing the investment climate to help create jobs.

Labour Minister Nayef Steitieh gave a briefing on the ministry’s employment plans, as well as its efforts to provide training to address labour market needs.

Director of the Office of His Majesty Jafar Hassan and Finance Minister Mohamad Al Ississ attended the meeting.