His Majesty King Abdullah on Sunday said work to build an airport in the northern Jordan Valley will start early next year with the aim of helping the area market its agricultural produce.

The King said the airport is one of several initiatives to address poverty and unemployment in the underprivileged rural area and is intended to increase agricultural exports and subsequently improve residents' incomes.

"Work to establish the airport will start in three to four weeks from now and we hope that it will help fulfil your needs and improve the situation of the agricultural sector," His Majesty announced at a meeting with residents and representatives of North Shuneh.

During his visit to the district, inhabited by some 130,000, King Abdullah ordered the implementation of several health and educational projects within a period of six months to improve the quality of services offered there.

The King requested the notables to form a committee that should come up with ideas and proposals on projects likely to help create jobs and reduce poverty.

Meanwhile, King Abdullah visited Mouath Ben Jabal Hospital and directed authorities to expand the facility, carry out necessary maintenance work to the existing building and furnish it with equipment.

The King also visited Al Aramsheh Basic School and ordered the creation of a new building for the school as the current overcrowded facility is rented and in bad shape.