MAFRAQ, Jordan, April 25 (NNN-PETRA) – King Abdullah II of Jordan, accompanied by Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II, visited Mafraq and met with representatives and key figures from the governorate.
King Abdullah expressed delight for being with fellow Jordanians in Mafraq during the meeting, which comes as part of a series of ongoing public outreach meetings.
The King referred to the challenges facing Mafraq, due to the refugee crisis, saying, “Of all Jordanian regions, you are under pressure the most in the north, especially Mafraq, due to the consequences of the Syrian crisis.”
The King added that the refugee crisis has affected the quality of services and job opportunities, and has caused a hike in rent prices, in addition to other challenges facing the governorate, in terms of urban planning and the distribution of services.
King Abdullah stressed that, Jordanians have had to shoulder much of the cost related to the Syrian refugee crisis, noting that Jordanians are known for their compassion and solidarity.
The King reiterated the importance of having the government work with governorate and municipal councils to face these challenges comprehensively.
Noting Mafraq’s important strategic location, the King called for capitalising on this advantage, to attract investment, which would contribute to alleviating some of the challenges in the governorate, which is an important logistical hub.
The King said, the developing relations with Iraq will see a boost in cooperation and the activation of agreements between the two countries.
The King instructed the government to tour Mafraq next week, and to prepare an action plan with a clear timeline for development priorities in the governorate, including the Baghdad Highway, and expanding the city.– NNN-PETRA