Opening the Second Ordinary Session of the 19th Parliament

In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful,

Prayers and peace be upon our Prophet Mohammad,

Honourable Senators,
Honourable Representatives,

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

In the name of God, and with His blessings, we inaugurate the second ordinary session of the Nineteenth Parliament, having made considerable progress in setting the sturdy foundations for modernising the state, enhancing its resilience, and charting the course for its second centennial, with efforts emanating from national consensus aimed at serving present and future generations, in fulfilment of our dear people’s ambitions and aspirations.

Honourable Senators,
Honourable Representatives,

Your esteemed assembly played a crucial role in the national modernisation drive, building on consensus by endorsing the constitutional and legislative amendments regulating partisan and parliamentary work. Your contribution was also vital in completing the Economic Modernisation Vision, which governments are obligated to implement, and it shall be a key metric in assessing their performance and commitment before you.

Comprehensive modernisation, with its political, economic, and administrative tracks, is a major national undertaking. All national objectives must revolve around it, and efforts and resources must be dedicated to its realisation. For their part, state institutions must redefine national achievement, so that its outcomes are tangible for citizens. We will not accept regression or hesitation in accomplishing these objectives.

The political modernisation track aims to ensure broader popular participation in policy- and decision-making through platform-based political parties; whereas the economic modernisation track seeks to improve the standard of living for citizens and provide job and investment opportunities based on strategic efforts, to revitalise all productive sectors and enable economic recovery.

These two tracks remain incomplete without competent public administration that provides optimum services for citizens and harnesses modern technology to expedite processes and increase productivity.

We want for this modernisation to serve our development goals, empower youth and women, and contribute to finding new leadership that revitalises state institutions and actively contributes to the House of Representatives and future governments.

Honourable Senators,
Honourable Representatives,

This nation was not built by pessimists or sceptics. It grew and progressed with the efforts of its sons and daughters who believed in it. It is thanks to these efforts that this nation marches towards the future confidently and steadfastly. Our beloved Jordan will continue to write new chapters in its story of progress; for nations are not built on fear and doubt, and the future has no place for those who are frustrated and desperate.

This nation, which was founded on the principles of justice and national dignity, continues its journey of modernisation under the rule of law, which applies to all and serves all.

The executive and legislative branches must cooperate, in accordance with the flexible separation of powers set by the Constitution, to achieve the desired objectives and to assess the progress of comprehensive modernisation efforts, in order to overcome any barriers and hurdles that may appear upon implementation, thus ensuring we stay the course.

Honourable Senators,
Honourable Representatives,

Jordan continues to play its pivotal regional role, keeping abreast of rapid changes in the region and around the world, and investing in its unique geopolitical location as a vital link between countries. This advantage must be capitalised on by building broad Arab and regional partnerships that serve mutual interests and maximise our national gains.

This key role that Jordan plays also remains focused on defending the Palestinian cause, which we have always supported and continue to support. It is our highest priority, and it can only be resolved by reaching a just and comprehensive solution that begins with ending the Israeli occupation and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the 4 June 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

In keeping with the historical responsibility that we faithfully undertake, we will continue to safeguard Jerusalem’s Islamic and Christian holy sites, under the Hashemite Custodianship.

The absence of a horizon for a political solution must not prevent us from supporting our Palestinian brothers and sisters economically, bolstering their steadfastness on their land, and helping them uphold their legitimate rights. As their closest neighbours, we will work to ensure they are key partners in regional projects, and we will not accept their marginalisation, reaffirming, at the same time, that economic empowerment cannot replace a political solution.

Honourable Senators,
Honourable Representatives,

On the frontiers of this homeland are men protecting our beloved Jordan with relentless resolve and hearts brimming with love and devotion to this land and its people. They are the flag-bearers and the proud members of the Arab Army and security agencies, the guardians of this nation and its progress, who have dedicated themselves to defending this country and its citizens.

I address the Nashama today on behalf of all Jordanians and say: this is how we have always known you to be, the honest, dedicated hard workers; we salute you all and stand with you as one, in service of our proud and strong Jordan.

Honourable Senators,
Honourable Representatives,

You, the Government, and everyone who wants the best for this great nation, stand before a historic responsibility towards it. The vision is clear and the only way forward is through action and achievement to build a new Jordan—a modern state rooted in participation, active citizenship, the rule of law, and dedicating all available resources to development; a state led by its young men and women, with their limitless aspirations and relentless resolve.

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