His Majesty King Abdullah, the Supreme Commander of the Jordan Armed Forces (JAF), said on Wednesday he is always keen to provide the military and security institutions with the most modern weaponry and diversify the sources of weapons.

Addressing tens of thousands of officers and personnel from the JAF at the Royal Jordanian Military College, King Abdullah said there are comprehensive plans for modernization and development in all military units and formations - in terms of armament, administration and training.

The King added that there are also plans and projects to raise the standard of living of families of the members of the JAF and security institutions, males and females, whether they are still in service, retired or martyred, by providing them, primarily, with decent housing.

"This will be over and above the plans and projects which the Armed Forces will implement in the fields of training and rehabilitation of Jordanian youth, to reduce and limit the challenges of poverty and unemployment in all governorates," the King told the gathering.

King Abdullah said the Kingdom has always managed to live, move forward and realize great achievements, in spite of the challenges and dangers that have surrounded it, adding: "I know that the challenges and dangers around us are grave. We must have the highest readiness to stand up to these challenges and attendant dangers. We must protect our homeland, and maintain security and stability which are the greatest blessings of this country."

"I urge you to always keep your morale high, and I want you to be sure that this country, with the resolve of its people and with your chivalrous determination, will always be stronger than any challenges, stronger than any condition. With God's help, our banner will always wave high," the King told the gathering.

The King added: "I want you to be sure that you are always in my thoughts and conscience, and that I am keen to be with you and among you every day, and on every occasion. When I am not with you, I am always busy working for you and for your kin and brothers, the Jordanian people, who deserve whatever we can do for them, and that we complete the building process of this homeland and all that we own, for which we are ready to sacrifice our souls and blood."

Towards the end of the meeting, King Abdullah expressed his pride in the Jordanian peacekeeping forces.

His Majesty, who was accompanied by Their Royal Highnesses Princes Hussein, Feisal, Ali and Hamzah, was received upon arrival at the college by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs-of-Staff General Khaled Sarayreh and senior officers.