Amman, July 19 (Petra) -- Chief of the Royal Hashemite Court Yousef Issawi on Sunday patronized a national celebration organized by the Ma'an Cultural Forum to mark the kingdom's national occasions under the theme "A History We Tell... A Homeland We Defend." The event was attended by Ma'an Governor Khaled Al Hajjaj, and governorate senior officials, as well as government officials, youth representatives and delegates from cultural and social organizations.
The ceremony opened with the royal anthem, followed by a recitation from the Holy Quran.
Speakers said the national occasions hold a deeply rooted place in Jordan's national consciousness, recalling the kingdom's decades-long path of achievement and development while underscoring Jordanians' support for the Hashemite leadership.
They stressed the importance of drawing inspiration from the values of the Great Arab Revolt and its message of renaissance and of continuing to work with a sense of responsibility and national belonging to safeguard the country's achievements and advance development and modernization efforts.
The speakers said Jordan, under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II and HRH Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II, is moving confidently toward the future, supported by its national unity and longstanding Hashemite legacy.
Former Minister of Culture Barakat Awajan said the national occasions represent milestones in the development of the Jordanian state and highlight the achievements realized under His Majesty King Abdullah II's leadership.
He said the celebrations reinforce the values of loyalty and belonging while encouraging continued dedication to serving the country and its Hashemite leadership.
Awajan said the event's theme reflects loyalty to Jordan and its Hashemite leadership and embodies pride in the country's history and the sacrifices of its people, adding that Jordan would continue to stand as a model of security, stability, progress and achievement under the Hashemite leadership.
He said the kingdom is continuing its path toward comprehensive development, modernization, and reform under His Majesty King Abdullah II, drawing on a deeply rooted Hashemite legacy and a royal vision that places Jordanians at the center of the national development process. He also highlighted Jordan's active role in defending Arab causes, foremost among them the Palestinian issue.
Awajan said achievements under the Hashemite monarchs had helped strengthen the foundations of political and economic stability and reinforced Jordan's standing as a respected country at both the regional and international levels.
He added that Jordan, under His Majesty's leadership and with the support of HRH the Crown Prince, continues to follow the approach established by the late King Hussein bin Talal, under which the kingdom has maintained a prominent role in national achievements and in Arab and international affairs through policies characterized by wisdom and moderation.
He said the Hashemite vision had helped launch advanced development and economic initiatives focused on empowering young people, expanding productive opportunities, diversifying sources of income, and enhancing the competitiveness of the national economy.
Earlier in the ceremony, Ma'an Cultural Forum President Sharhabil Abkal Al Khattab said the national occasions provide an opportunity to reflect on the country's journey, shaped by the determination of its leadership and people.
He said Jordan continues to move confidently toward the future, supported by national unity and the steadfast backing of its citizens for the Hashemite leadership.
Al Khattab said the celebration's theme reflects Jordanians' pride in their country's history and their commitment to the values of sacrifice, hard work and service, calling for continued efforts to build on national achievements and preserve the gains made throughout the kingdom's development.
The event also featured a documentary highlighting the history of Ma'an Governorate and its national role since the launch of the Great Arab Revolt. The film reviewed the contributions of prominent figures from the governorate at different stages of Jordan's history and its role in the kingdom's development over the decades.
The program included cultural and patriotic performances, including a poem by local poet Ziad Al Saudi expressing pride in Jordan and its Hashemite leadership while recalling key moments in the country's history. The poem was well received by the audience.
Folklore performances by the Ma'an Folklore Troupe and the Al Qantara Center troupe showcased Jordan's rich cultural heritage and received a warm response from attendees.
The Ma'an Cultural Forum concluded the ceremony by honoring Issawi.
//Petra// AF
