Latest news with #RoyalCourt
Jordan Times
10 hours ago
- Politics
- Jordan Times
King to media figures: Jordan will always be Gaza's biggest supporter
AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday affirmed that Jordan has been, and will remain, the greatest support for Gaza's people, who are suffering from a humanitarian catastrophe unlike anything witnessed in recent history. During a meeting with media figures at Al Husseiniya Palace, His Majesty said Jordan will continue to provide everything it can out of its sense of moral, humanitarian, and Arab duty, highlighting the Kingdom's diplomatic efforts, including recent meetings with the leaders of Germany and Canada, and ongoing coordination with Arab leaders and international partners to press for an end to the war on Gaza and step up the humanitarian response, according to a Royal Court statement. 'The suffering of our brethren in Gaza strikes at the very sense of our humanity, not just because it is happening at our doorstep, but also because this country was built on compassion, on standing with those who suffer,' the King said. His Majesty also added, 'No matter how much we do, it can never measure up to the scale of the horror Palestinians in Gaza endure every single day—not when entire families are being erased and children are being starved.' 'But that doesn't mean that we are not doing everything in our power. We are. And we will continue to do so, relentlessly and without hesitation. Not because we have to, and certainly not because we are looking to take credit, but because we are not a nation that looks away or turns its back on neighbours in need,' the King continued. His Majesty said he is aware that there isn't a single Jordanian who is not angry and horrified by what is happening in Gaza, 'and I have no doubt that every Jordanian wants to help stop the suffering in any and every way he or she can.' Everyone is distraught, the King added, but people express their grief differently. 'We must respect all perspectives and individual choices, without judgements, accusations, personal attacks, or public shaming. We must always choose respect, unity and empathy,' His Majesty said. The King also called for a balance between grief and solidarity with Gaza, and continuing to live life as normal, as this is an indispensable national duty, the statement said. 'Stopping normal life and damaging the national economy does not serve the interests of our Palestinian brothers and sisters. They would be the first to say they want a strong ally in Jordan,' His Majesty stressed. His Majesty noted the importance of citizens continuing to be productive in order to stimulate the economy and work for a better future, adding that moving forward with their lives does not mean forgetting the pain of what is happening in Gaza, according to the statement. The King said Gaza needs a strong Jordan, reaffirming that the Kingdom will not deviate from its firm Arab values, and will continue to modernise and develop, and support its Arab brethren. Royal Hashemite Court Chief Yousef Issawi and Director of the Office of His Majesty Alaa Batayneh attended the meeting.
Zawya
15 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Jordan: Issawi inspects Royal initiative projects in Madaba
AMMAN — Royal Court Chief Youssef Issawi on Tuesday conducted a field visit to inspect several Royal Initiative projects in Madaba. Implemented under Royal directives, the projects aim to improve public services, empower local communities and promote sustainable development across the Kingdom, according to a Royal Court statement. In Madaba city, Issawi, who is also head of the follow-up committee for the implementation of Royal initiatives, reviewed progress on the rehabilitation of the official football pitch adjacent to Madaba Secondary School for Boys, where he was briefed on the implementation stages that are nearing completion and proceeding according to the approved timeline. His Majesty King Abdullah had instructed the comprehensive maintenance of the school and rehabilitation of the nearby pitch during a visit to Madaba on 22 April last year. Renovations to the school building were completed ahead of the start of the 2024–2025 academic year, the statement read. In Al Faisaliyeh District, Issawi followed up on progress in the construction of a medical apparel and supplies factory, part of the Productive Branches Initiative. The factory is being developed in partnership with Medical Solutions Company under an agreement signed at the Royal Court between the company and the Ministry of Labour. Issawi toured the 2,500-square-metre facility, which has completed its construction and equipment phase. Residents have been trained to work at the factory, which is expected to create 150 job opportunities in its first year of operation. The factory will produce a wide range of medical consumables, including surgical gowns, head covers, medical gloves, sheets, and bed covers, all designed for sterile medical environments. It would also operate specialised machines to manufacture sterile medical towels, offering an alternative to traditional cotton varieties. As the first of its kind in Jordan, the facility houses 15 production lines and around 150 sewing machines, with a production capacity sufficient to meet local demand and support exports. Speaking to the press, Issawi said these projects reflect His Majesty's vision of launching developmental, service-oriented, and productive projects that enhance service quality and generate employment opportunities for local communities, contributing to sustainable development across all governorates. He stressed that the implementation of Royal Initiatives comes directly at His Majesty's instruction, in response to citizens' needs raised during the King's frequent visits and meetings with community representatives, both in the field and at the Royal Court.
Jordan Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Jordan Times
King urges immediate, unified international action to stop spread of starvation, suffering in Gaza
- His Majesty says relief efforts must not be politicised, targeting starving civilians is unconscionable - King says Jordan is leading regional relief efforts by sending, coordinating aid convoys to Gaza - The King said Jordan's trucks are attacked by Israeli settlers on their way to Gaza, and that this falls under the responsibility of the Israeli government. - King praises Amman-Berlin relations, says Jordan is committed to expanding bilateral cooperation with Germany - Chancellor Merz says Jordan, Germany enjoy a special partnership that has grown over seven decades - Merz emphasises Germany's position calling for ceasefire in Gaza, alleviating the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Strip AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday called on the international community to take immediate and unified action to stop the alarming spread of starvation and suffering among civilians in Gaza. During a joint press conference with Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz, following talks in Berlin, His Majesty said the war on Gaza must end. The King said the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza has reached unspeakable levels, and the images of starving children have outraged people around the world, adding that allowing this situation to continue is 'a stain on our shared humanity,' according to a Royal Court statement. His Majesty stressed that relief efforts must not be politicised, and that targeting starving civilians as they try to access aid is unconscionable. The King urged an immediate and lasting ceasefire in Gaza, full respect for international humanitarian law, and unimpeded access for humanitarian assistance to all areas of the Strip. His Majesty said Jordan is leading regional relief efforts by sending and coordinating aid convoys to Gaza, providing urgent medical support, and facilitating the safe medical evacuation of the injured and sick, and praised Germany's support for the humanitarian response in the Strip. Speaking about ties between Jordan and Germany, the King said the two countries share a deep and solid partnership based on shared values, mutual respect and effective cooperation in the political, economic, and humanitarian fields. His Majesty praised Jordanian-German relations, noting that Jordan is committed to expanding bilateral cooperation with Germany across various sectors, in addition to expanding cooperation with the European Union, the statement said. The King said the partnership between the two countries is growing in vital sectors such as education and development. His Majesty commended Germany's strong support for Jordan's efforts to stabilise the region and provide assistance wherever needed. Speaking about regional developments, the King emphasised the need to stop the ongoing and dangerous escalations in the West Bank, and violations on Muslim and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, noting that the situation there is critical and threatens to ignite a wider regional conflict. His Majesty noted the importance of joint action to push for an end to the war on Gaza and an end to the escalation in order to create a political horizon that paves the way for just and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution, and commended Germany's support for the two-state solution, according to the statement. The King also emphasised Jordan's support for Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity as prerequisites for its long-term recovery and stability. His Majesty highlighted that Syria's stability is important for the region, and continued international support is necessary to avoid a recurrence of the crisis, and to enable Syrians to rebuild their state and ensure its security, stability, and prosperity for all components of its diverse society. In response to a question about the humanitarian situation in Gaza, the King said Palestinians in Gaza are facing an indescribable tragedy, and that Jordan is at the forefront of providing support to the people of Gaza, as well as support to Palestinians in the West Bank, noting that Jordan has two field hospitals in Gaza, in addition to the Kingdom's efforts to deliver aid to Gaza in all possible ways. His Majesty added that no means can replace the delivery of essential aid by land to Gaza, and that currently Jordan is only able to send 60 trucks per week, despite Gaza needing at least 150 trucks a day, the statement said. The King said Jordan's trucks are attacked by Israeli settlers on their way to Gaza, and that this falls under the responsibility of the Israeli government. 'There is frustration in Jordan about this over the past year and a half, because aid is being politicised and bureaucracy is being used, unfortunately, as a tool to push the people of Gaza into starvation,' His Majesty added. 'We need international support to intensify the delivery of trucks to Gaza as soon as possible and in the required numbers. We also need the capabilities of the UN and international humanitarian organisations to be active in Gaza because they are the most capable of handling the distribution of aid,' the King said. His Majesty commended Germany's support for the airdrops, adding 'while sending aid by air alone cannot be a solution, it sends a clear message and puts pressure on Israel to show that we are doing everything we can. But the movement of trucks must start as soon as possible in the numbers we need to make a tangible impact on the lives of the people in Gaza in the right direction.' In response to another question, the King said Jordan is working with Arab countries, the European Union, and the United States to provide a political horizon, but that first efforts must be directed to press for an end to the war on Gaza to enable the delivery of humanitarian aid in large quantities to alleviate the burden of the disaster that continues to unfold there. Speaking about the airdrops, His Majesty said Jordan is a small country that is now the third largest country in the world in terms of the volume of humanitarian aid delivered by air, since the Berlin Airlift in 1948. The King highlighted that the airdrops are not the most effective method, but they contribute to the overall effort and help put pressure on Israel to allow the delivery of aid and alleviate suffering not only in Gaza, but also in the West Bank. For his part, Chancellor Merz said Jordan and Germany enjoy a special partnership that has grown over seven decades, and this has to do with His Majesty's personal role in the region. Chancellor Merz announced that 'while we are standing here, two 300M aircraft are in the air on their way to Jordan and they will be equipped there, they will be refuelled there so they can then perform their mission starting next week, and possibly even possibly starting tomorrow,' praising the role of the King in initiating the airdrop operations and making it possible. Chancellor Merz emphasised Germany's position calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and alleviating the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Strip, stressing his country's rejection of any steps aimed at annexing the West Bank and displacing its inhabitants, according to the statement. The German chancellor praised His Majesty's wisdom, advice and good counsel, stressing the importance of the Hashemite Custodianship of holy sites. Director of the Office of His Majesty Alaa Batayneh and Jordan's Ambassador to Germany Fayez Khouri attended the talks.
Jordan Times
a day ago
- Health
- Jordan Times
Crown Prince inaugurates Jordan Digital Health Centre in Salt
AMMAN — HRH Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah II on Tuesday inaugurated the Jordan Digital Health Centre in Salt, which was established as part of the National Council for Future Technology's efforts to raise the level of medical services provided to citizens. The Crown Prince toured the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development-funded centre, which includes digital units for dialysis, radiology, intensive care and telemedicine services, and seeks to save time and effort for patients, and improve access to specialised care for rare medical specialities, according to a Royal Court statement. His Royal Highness listened to a briefing by Health Minister Firas Al Hawari about the remote medical services provided by the centre, whereby patients can communicate through voice or video calls with doctors following diagnosis to receive medical consultations. The minister said the centre has been connected to five major public hospitals and three healthcare centres as part of the first phase, adding that the second phase will expand to connect other public hospitals and healthcare centres. According to Hawari, the centre is responsible for monitoring the capacity of public hospitals and pharmaceutical warehouses to ensure optimal distribution of patients to hospitals to alleviate overcrowding and reduce waste of medical supplies and medicines, the statement said. The Crown Prince attended a meeting held at the centre for the National Council for Future Technology's digital committee on the health sector, during which His Royal Highness was briefed on the council's future plans and strategies to raise the level of health services. The Crown Prince also visited Salt Comprehensive Healthcare Centre, which was recently rehabilitated, to check on the services provided, including the introduction and standardisation of electronic payment services.
Jordan Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Jordan Times
EMV workshops conclude with sectoral roadmaps, progress review
AMMAN — A 12-day series of sectoral workshops concluded on Monday, aiming at evaluating the first phase of Jordan's Economic Modernisation Vision (EMV) (2023–2025) and drafting recommendations for the second phase (2026–2029). Hosted at the Royal Court, the workshops brought together approximately 400 participants, including experts, representatives from the private sector, civil society members, academics, and media professionals. The sessions reviewed the implementation of the first phase, examining strengths, challenges, impact indicators and key initiatives outlined in the executive programme across multiple economic sectors, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. The workshops sought to provide actionable recommendations for the government, which is expected to hold follow-up sessions in preparation for the next executive programme. The goal is to refine high-impact initiatives and ensure that economic sectors keep pace with international, technological and policy developments. Priority sectors covered during the discussions included financial services, water, transport and logistics, social protection, creative industries, tourism, agriculture and food security, health, education, green growth, industry and trade, urban development, energy, investment, mining, and information and communications technology.
