King: Jordan derives strength from strong national cohesion

His Majesty King Abdullah II, the Supreme Commander of the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army, said Jordan derives its strength and stability from the distinctive cohesion of its people and emphasized that the whole nation should stand together to safeguard the country, develop the society and overcome economic challenges.

Addressing an Iftar banquet he hosted for army personnel and retirees, His Majesty stressed that his priority is to upgrade the capabilities of the armed forces in order to keep pace with rapid regional developments, saying the focus should be placed on quality rather than quantity so the army can address any future challenges.

King Abdullah also said he is confident that the army is capable of confronting all threats, adding that he was assured of the situation on the northern border and the army’s high ability to deal with any threat.

His Majesty stressed the importance of strengthening the capabilities of the Economic and Social Association for Retired Servicemen and Veterans, expanding its role and building bridges of communication between retired servicemen and women and security agencies.

Improving the living conditions of officers and members of the security agencies remains one of the plans designed to develop the armed forces, he said.

In that context, His Majesty thanked the United Arab Emirates for its continued support to the army, especially establishing a training city and housing apartments for the armed forces.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs-of-Staff Lt. Gen. Mahmoud Freihat said: “Upon His Majesty’s directives and understanding of what is going on the borders, the armed forces will not cross the borders of any neighboring country, but will hit with an iron fist, whoever tries to infiltrate or threaten our borders in any way.”

He pointed out that the region is seeing rapid challenges and threats, where various groups and terrorist organizations are fighting each other, and this requires the army to remain more vigilant and alerted.

Freihat emphasized that the armed forces maintain the highest degrees of readiness to firmly deal with all risks and threats.

The army chief spoke plans underway to restructure the general command of the armed forces, raise the level of training, review tasks and duties and roles assigned to units and formations among other issues.

Source: Fana News