Letter to the president of the General Federation of Jordanian Trade Unions on the occasion of Labour Day 2010

Peace, God's mercy and blessings be upon you,

It is with pleasure that I extend to you and every worker in every sector of this nation my sincerest well wishes and congratulations on the occasion of Labour Day. I would also like to express my pride in and appreciation of your outstanding efforts to advance the process of sustainable development as well as your effective and efficient contribution to the construction of our beloved country.

Jordanians' celebration of Labour Day is a testament of their deep respect for and appreciation of workers' unwavering contribution to all productive enterprise. Likewise, it is an acknowledgement of workers' major role in advancing the process of construction, development and modernisation of our cherished country.

On this occasion, we reiterate that Jordanians are the country's true wealth and they are both the means and the object of its development process. I would also like to emphasise that our top priority is achieving what is best for Jordanians. This means providing them with all the tools they need to excel and create and ensuring that they are able to unleash their potential and participate in all aspects of national development.

Achieving economic development and strengthening and increasing the opportunities for Jordanians to apply their skills to feasible projects require continuous efforts to improve their living conditions as well as their efficiency and competitiveness through training and rehabilitation. This will eventually enhance the labour movement and strengthen its role in the development process.

Jordan, like other countries, faces financial and economic challenges that have impacted economic growth rates and reflected negatively on the level of prosperity of Jordanian workers. But, we are confident that we, with God's help, will be able to face these challenges and emerge stronger than ever. We will continue to strengthen the country's economic development process and achieve what is best for our cherished country while expanding horizons of achievement and progress for our loyal people.

Once again, we salute you, the labourers of this nation in all fields of work, and emphasise our pride in you and in your dedication and resolve, and congratulate you all. Many happy returns.

May God give us all strength to serve our beloved Jordan.

Peace, God's mercy and blessings be upon you.

Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein
Amman, 30 April 2010