Amman, June 2 (Petra) -- Speaker of the Lower House of Parliament Mazen Al-Qadi on Tuesday patronized a ceremony marking the kingdom's 80th Independence Day, organized by the Department of Palestinian Affairs, camp service committees, advisory bodies and community organizations in the kingdom’s refugee camps.

The event, held at Al-Wehdat Camp, was attended by the head of the Parliamentary bloc of the Initiative Party, Ahmad Hamisat; head of the Lower House Palestine Committee, Suleiman Al-Saud; Director-General of the Department of Palestinian Affairs, Rafiq Kharfan; and representatives of camp committees from across the kingdom.

Al-Qadi said Jordanians commemorate Independence Day with pride, reflecting on its profound significance and the values upon which the state was founded. He paid tribute to the sacrifices made by the nation's forefathers, which, he said, laid the foundations of Jordan’s achievements and instilled resilience and strength in the national consciousness throughout the history of the Kingdom.

He said Jordan’s foundations were established by the late King Abdullah I, the founder of the kingdom and architect of independence. The late King Talal drafted the constitution, while the late King Hussein bin Talal elevated the nation’s standing. His Majesty King Abdullah II, he added, has carried forward this legacy while advancing the aspirations of Jordan, its people and the wider Arab nation, steering the country through a turbulent regional environment while preserving its strength and stability.

Al-Qadi said Jordan’s independence journey is marked by achievements that have consolidated its position as a nation founded on wisdom and moderation. He credited the country's success to the leadership of the Hashemites, the armed forces, security institutions and a loyal people united behind their leadership.

He said that over the past 80 years, Jordan has remained a steadfast supporter of Arab causes and a refuge for those in need, adding that the country has never compromised on the dignity of the nation or the security and well-being of its people.

Al-Qadi said the strength of Jordan’s independence is reflected in the leadership of King Abdullah II and the support he enjoys from Jordanians, as well as in the role of HRH Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah II, whom he described as carrying the banner of the nation and safeguarding its aspirations for the future.

He reiterated Jordan’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause, describing it as a matter of justice and rights. He said Jordan remains committed to defending Palestinian land and holy sites and continues its historical role in safeguarding Islamic and Christian holy places in Jerusalem under the Hashemite Custodianship.

Concluding his remarks, Al-Qadi said Jordan remains resilient despite regional turmoil and changing circumstances because it has built a nation that values its people above all else.

For his part, Hamisat said Al-Wehdat Camp has always demonstrated loyalty to Jordan and its Hashemite leadership. He extended congratulations to Hios Majesty King Abdullah II and HRH Crown Prince Hussein on the occasion.

He said Independence Day provides an opportunity to remember the architects of Jordan’s independence, beginning with the late King Abdullah I and continuing through the late King Hussein and His Majesty King Abdullah II, whom he described as leading a comprehensive modernization process.

Speaking from Al-Wehdat Camp, Hamisat reaffirmed support for the king’s vision of a modern Jordan founded on justice, equality, democracy and public participation in decision-making. He said Jordan’s security and stability remain a source of pride amid a challenging regional environment and stressed the importance of preserving national unity.

He also paid tribute to Jordanians across the kingdom, saying the nation’s progress is driven by achievement and the ability to overcome challenges.

Al-Saud said Independence Day and the anniversary of the king’s accession to the throne offer an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of statehood, resilience and Jordan’s ability to remain strong amid regional uncertainty.

He described Jordan’s independence as a story of a nation built through determination, protected by sacrifice and guided by wisdom. He praised the Hashemite leadership for preserving the country's stability and strengthening its regional standing.

Al-Saud said Al-Wehdat Camp carries special significance because it represents both a national and humanitarian memory and serves as a testament to Jordan’s support for the Palestinian cause and its defense of Jerusalem and the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.

He stressed that the responsibility facing Jordanians today is to protect national unity, reject divisive rhetoric and contribute through action rather than slogans. Jordan’s future, he said, depends on the efforts of its people, particularly its youth, and the strength of its institutions.

Al-Saud concluded by renewing loyalty to His Majesty King Abdullah II and HRH Crown Prince Hussein, saying Jordan would remain resilient through the strength of its leadership, people, armed forces and institutions.

Kharfan said Independence Day is a national occasion that highlights eight decades of development and achievement under Hashemite leadership, transforming Jordan into a model of security, stability and national cohesion despite regional challenges.

He said the occasion provides an opportunity to renew loyalty to the Hashemite leadership and honor the sacrifices made by previous generations in service of the nation.

Kharfan said Jordan, under His Majesty King Abdullah II, continues to support the Palestinian people and their legitimate rights, including the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the June 4, 1967 lines with East Jerusalem as its capital. He also reaffirmed Jordan’s commitment to defending Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem under the historic Hashemite Custodianship.

He stressed the importance of continued support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), describing it as a witness to the Palestinian refugee issue and a symbol of the international community’s responsibility toward Palestinian rights.

Kharfan also praised royal initiatives and Hashemite efforts that have contributed to the development of refugee camps and the improvement of services provided to their residents.

He concluded by saying that camp residents will remain an integral part of Jordan’s national fabric, committed to national unity, proud of the country’s achievements and appreciative of the sacrifices made by the Jordan Armed Forces and security agencies in safeguarding the kingdom’s security and stability.

//Petra// AF