His Majesty King Abdullah II on Saturday met tribal elders and community leaders of Mafraq during a tour of the governorate to take a first-hand look at the needs of its residents in the education, health, tourism and services sectors.

During his visit, King Abdullah checked on progress in the 108-bed Mafraq Public Hospital where expansion works are under way.

In his address to over 500 community leaders, the King said Mafraq will witness economic and development activities in the near future that would improve the living conditions of its residents and create jobs for them.

The King said he was satisfied with the plans the government is executing to fulfil the needs and demands of the governorate.

“We have big plans for Mafraq to become a model of economic success through a series of projects that we are implementing,” he said, noting that plans are meant to ensure that all districts benefit justly and equally from the outcome of the development process.

At the meeting, the King expressed relief that some of the projects planned for the Hussein Ben Talal Development Zone have started top operate.

He told the gathering that although some projects in the zone have been delayed, “we will continue to work to attract investments into the zone”. The King attributed the slowing of business in the special zone to the international financial crisis.

Stressing that he will follow up on the governorate's needs and the demands, King Abdullah said the consultative committee of Mafraq will meet with the government and the Royal Court soon to follow up on projects in this regard.

The King urged more public participation in the decision-making process, emphasising that Jordan is proceeding with a decentralisation plan designed to achieve this goal.

He also urged citizens to exercise their right to vote in the upcoming elections and to select the candidates most capable of serving the Kingdom and meet the aspirations of the people.