King Abdullah II sponsored the ceremony held at Al-Husseiniah Palace yesterday, Saturday, to mark the 78th Independence Day of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, with the presence of Queen Rania Abdullah. Upon the King's arrival at the event, surrounded by a red carpet procession, a 21-gun salute was fired in his honor, as the honor guard stood at attention and the national anthem was played.
Heads of authorities delivered speeches, in the presence of Prince Hashem bin Abdullah II and several princes and princesses, congratulating the King on the occasion of the silver jubilee of his accession to constitutional powers. They affirmed that Jordanians are committed to a relentless determination towards modernization and renaissance for the prosperity and advancement of the nation. They also affirmed their support for their Hashemite leadership in defending the nation’s causes and aiding their brothers in Gaza and the West Bank, as well as safeguarding Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem.
Prime Minister Bisher Al-Khasawneh stated in his speech that Jordan has achieved accomplishments across various fields over the past 78 years, 25 of which have been under the King’s leadership, made possible by the efforts of its sons and daughters despite significant challenges. He emphasized Jordanians' determination to proceed with development and modernization in political, economic, and administrative pathways as a launchpad for maximizing achievements in the second centenary of the state.
The Prime Minister referred to the upcoming parliamentary elections as a pivotal station on the path of political modernization focusing on promoting programmed party work and enhancing youth and women's participation. He appreciated the King's positions in supporting just causes, particularly the Palestinian issue, standing beside the people in Gaza, stopping the aggression against them, providing humanitarian assistance comprehensively and sustainably, and protecting the holy sites in Jerusalem under the Hashemite guardianship.
For his part, President of the Senate Faisal Al-Fayez noted that the coincidence of Independence Day, the silver jubilee, Army Day, and the anniversary of the Great Arab Revolution brings joy to the hearts of Jordanians, commending what Jordan has attained under the King’s leadership over the past 25 years. Al-Fayez affirmed that Jordanians take pride in what their ancestors have achieved since the foundation over the past century. He emphasized that Jordan, under the King's leadership, will continue to carry its blessed message for which Jordanians sacrifice their lives from generation to generation.
He added, "The whole world knows, and we bear witness before God and history, that we have not failed in carrying out our trust, whatever the sacrifices may be."
Meanwhile, Speaker of the House of Representatives Ahmad Al-Safadi stated that independence is measured by achievement, giving, and sacrifice, highlighting the great journey in which Jordanians have written the finest examples of defending the homeland, standing at the forefront of their nation, advocating for its rights and sacred sites, which is the essence of Jordan's message under the Hashemites’ leadership.
Al-Safadi added that Jordanians move forward under their leader’s vision, crossing into the second centenary of the state through a comprehensive modernization pathway, ensuring that Jordan remains a model of prosperity, security, and stability in a turbulent region. He praised the King’s positions in defending Palestinian brothers and Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem based on Hashemite guardianship and appreciated his direct supervision in delivering humanitarian and relief assistance to those in Gaza.
Judicial Council President Mohammad Al-Ghazo stressed that Jordanians, who achieved their independence 78 years ago and made great sacrifices for their homeland, are capable of achieving glory again through efforts toward the nation's advancement. Al-Ghazo pointed out that the memory of independence will remain a beacon of hope lighting the future for its sons and daughters, who take pride in the leadership of the Hashemites, recalling the journey of the Hashemite kings in establishing, building, and developing Jordan.
He affirmed that the King’s approach has bolstered the journey of democracy and the establishment of a state of institutions and law and the separation of powers, as His Majesty has also focused on the independence of the judiciary and judges, believing that an independent and fair judiciary is the cornerstone for the future of democracy and reform in Jordan and is fundamental to the rule of law.
The ceremony, which included the song "We Are With You," was attended by senior civil and military officials, members of the diplomatic corps accredited to the kingdom, and representatives of popular activities, parties, organizations, and civil society institutions.
