His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday visited Ramtha District and met with its residents as part of His Majesty’s ongoing outreach to Jordanians around the Kingdom.

Crowds of Ramtha residents lined the streets to welcome King Abdullah on his visit, which coincided with his 57th birthday.

During a meeting with leading figures and representatives from the border district of Ramtha, His Majesty said he was happy to visit the district and to be among family and friends.

The King noted the economic hardships that the northern district’s residents had to put up with, such as rising rents and mounting pressure on services, describing them as exemplary Jordanians in their generosity and hospitality for welcoming refugees to their homes.

His Majesty also commended the efforts of the Ramtha Municipality and the projects it has completed.

Decentralisation funds for Ramtha were increased to build new schools and revamp healthcare centres, the King added, directing Royal Hashemite Court officials to implement further initiatives and productive projects in the district and to examine its development needs.

Commenting on his recent visit to Iraq, His Majesty expressed optimism over its outcomes, adding that efforts will continue to increase trade and investment opportunities with Jordan’s friends in the region and the world.

A number of key figures and representatives of the local community in Ramtha delivered remarks at the meeting, thanking the King for the visit and for seeking a first-hand look at the challenges and issues facing them.

The speakers also expressed their well wishes to His Majesty on his birthday, commending his ongoing outreach efforts to all Jordanians and praising his balanced policies at the regional and international levels.

Also speaking at the meeting, Royal Hashemite Court Chief Yousef Issawi announced a number of Royal initiatives in Ramtha, covering the health, education, social, youth, and productive project sectors.

Upon His Majesty’s directives, Issawi said housing units for underprivileged families will also be built in line with the priorities set by the Ministry of Social Development, while 200 productive, youth- and women-led projects will be supported in cooperation with local societies.

Previous projects by the Royal Hashemite Court in Ramtha included constructing new premises for Ramtha Public Hospital and building 19 new housing units.

For his part, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State Rajai Muasher said the government will look into the district’s demands in coordination with the Irbid Governorate Council, noting several programmes in place to support entrepreneurial projects.

Adviser to His Majesty and Director of the Office of His Majesty Manar Dabbas, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Lt. Gen. Mahmoud Freihat, and Interior Minister Samir Mubaideen attended the meeting.