On the Occasion of the Inauguration of King Hussein Street

Monsieur le Maire,
Madame Tiberi,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

The great honour that you are bestowing upon His Majesty King Hussein testifies to the warm and special relations that have existed between Jordan and France since the first meeting between His Majesty and General de Gaulle. Since then, Jordan and France have enjoyed the best of understanding, cooperation and common objectives.

Together, we have long called for a peaceful settlement to the Middle East conflict that would safeguard the rights of all and the security of all. Together, we have advocated dialogue over armed conflict and cooperation over rivalry. As we bear witness to the citizens of France acknowledging the legacy of a great and courageous leader by way of commemorating his name on one of the most prestigious avenues of their capital city, we solemnly swear to guard this special relationship of mutual respect between our two nations. The great mutual admiration that has always characterised the relations between the Hashemite family and the leaders of the French Republic has been truly reflected in the course of relations between Jordan and France.

Today, a part of Jordan, so dear to all of us, has been transplanted on a street in Paris, where Jordanians and people from around the globe who flock to enjoy the beauty of this wonderful city and marvel at its glory would cherish the memory of a selfless leader, who sacrificed for the sake of ensuring that his country, his people and his region will have a better life than the one he had. A Hashemite by birth and a Hashemite by deeds, King Hussein's achievements will outlive us all. May he rest in peace and may his memory guide us to doing what is best for humanity. This is the only thing that he would require from us and the only thing that would please him.

To you, Monsieur le Maire, and to all your colleagues and to all Parisians, we are full of gratitude for this moving gesture, for you have not only honoured the memory of King Hussein, but also you have paid tribute to Jordan and to its people, who will now have yet another bond to tie them to France.

Thank you.