His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday voiced his pride in the people of the Central Badia region, who “like all Jordanians, set an example of loyalty and sincere patriotism.”

At a meeting with the leaders of the Bani Sakher tribe in Central Badia’s Muwaqqar area, King Abdullah stressed that Jordan is capable of overcoming challenges facing it with the will of its dedicated people.

“We are working day and night to improve the economic situation in Jordan,” His Majesty said, voicing optimism for the future.

“Improving the living conditions of my people is at the top of all priorities, and we are all aware of the economic challenges facing us,” the King added, noting that poverty and unemployment will remain the “biggest challenge”.

His Majesty also spoke about the sacrifices Jordanians have made to defend the homeland and the nation.

The King stressed that Muath Kasasbeh — the air force pilot detained by the so-called Islamic State group — belongs to the Arab Army, whose members have made sacrifices throughout history.

Urging patience, His Majesty said concerned parties are exerting intensified efforts to deal with Kasasbeh’s case, and called for letting “specialists do their job”.

The King commended the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army for its role in safeguarding the borders and ensuring the safety of the Kingdom and its citizens.

“The situation at the borders is safe and we are constantly working to protect them,” His Majesty said.

Similarly the King said: “Our political situation is very strong, and many countries need Jordan and its strength. Our role extends beyond our borders.”

During the visit, which is part of His Majesty’s efforts to meet and communicate with local communities around Jordan, the King directed the Royal Hashemite Court to adopt several initiatives of priority to the region.

The initiatives include establishing health, education and vocational training projects in addition to supporting productive societies in the region.

The King called for forming a committee of Central Badia residents to communicate with the Royal Hashemite Court and discuss the region’s priorities and needs.

His Majesty called for drawing up development initiatives to be based on proposals made by tribesmen, to materialise in programmes that can help create jobs for young men and women, and lead to focusing on vocational education to meet the labour market needs.

During the visit, the King strongly denounced any offence targeting Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), noting that publishing any abusive drawings depicting the Prophet is denounced and is rejected by Muslims everywhere.

Moreover, His Majesty said the ongoing war against terrorist groups is a pre-emptive one.

“We are taking part in it against extremists, in defence of Islam, and a comprehensive approach should be adopted to confront terrorism and extremism,” the King told tribal leaders.

This should cover military, security and ideological aspects, His Majesty said, noting that this war concerns first and foremost Arabs and Muslims should take the initiative to support Islam and its message.

Regarding his participation in the January 11 Paris march against terrorism, the King said it was important for Arab and Muslim countries to take a clear stand on the issue and to stand with non-Muslims who support Muslim causes.

“We went there to stand against radicalism and extremism, and to stand by France as a friend of Jordan. More importantly, Jordan was there to stand by six million Muslims in France, which is the largest Muslim community in a European country,” His Majesty said.

The King stressed the need to create awareness in the Islamic world, reiterating that the abusive cartoons, depicting Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), are not part of any freedoms, asserting that they are rejected and denounced.

Regarding the discussions that are taking place in the Islamic world and with foreigners on moderation and extremism, His Majesty said: “I am a Muslim and we are all Muslims, and extremists do not represent Islam. Our duty is to protect the reputation of Islam and Muslims.”

Also, His Majesty stressed the importance of strengthening the coalitions against extremism, noting that there should be an Arab-Islamic coalition to confront terrorism, in which the international community would take part.

“If we want to build a political coalition against extremism, then it is not allowed to abuse any religion,” the King said, highlighting the Pope’s rejection of any insult to religious symbols.

His Majesty noted what was witnessed in France recently was intended to augment hatred against Islam and Muslims, and this is part of the problem.

“Our duty is to protect the image of an Islam of moderation and tolerance, and this is the duty of everybody in all Arab and Islamic countries,” the King said.

On the Middle East peace efforts, His Majesty stressed that achieving peace and arriving at a just solution to the Palestinian cause represents the path for solving all regional issues.

The King cautioned that failing to resolve the Palestinian issue would feed extremism.

His Majesty also stressed the importance of pursuing efforts to preserve the Islamic and Christian sites in Jerusalem, in line with the Hashemite custodianship of the holy places there.

“This is a duty and an honour and we are moving ahead in this direction.”

For their part, speakers at the event praised the King’s efforts to defend the true image of Islam, calling for reinforcing the internal front and standing behind the army.

They also presented a host of issues and demands related to the area, calling for upgrading their area to a governorate and establishing a hospital, a state university, vocational training facilities and youth centres, and improving the conditions of schools.

Former premier Faisal Al Fayez said in his remarks that strengthening the social fabric would shield Jordan against the repercussions of regional turmoil, stressing that Jordan has become a “state of law and institutions”.

A community leader, Jamal Khreisha, called for a solution to the issue of tribal wajihat, lands designated for tribal communities for grazing and farming since the Ottoman era, while Senator Mohammmad Zheir commended the reforms led by His Majesty.

For his part, Miteb Zaben said that security of the homeland is the country’s top priority.

Brakat Zheir summed up the problems facing the area’s youth, citing unemployment among college graduates.

Commending Jordan’s efforts to counter terrorism, the tribal leaders said experienced and learned imams should be instated at mosques to preach moderation, pointing out that several mosques are without imams.