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