Jordanian king meets tribal elders during tour of Central Badia

His Majesty King Abdullah II, on Wednesday, joined members of the Bani Sakhr Tribe as part of his visits to various areas across the country to learn first-hand about their needs and demands of services.
He said Jordan, through the resolve and unity of its people, is strong and capable of fending off challenges, adding that the economy is the biggest challenge.
He added that improving the living standards and alleviating poverty are His top priority. The King also told the elders that authorities were engaged in intensive efforts to win the freedom of Muath Kasasbeh, the Jordanian air force pilot whose jet came down over Syria. But he asked for patience in that endeavor.
His Majesty hailed the armed forces and security agencies in protecting the country's borders and citizens, noting that the situation on the border is reassuring.
The King gave his directives to the Royal Court to launch priority projects for the local community in the health, education and vocational and technical training fields as well as job-creating enterprises.
The tribal leaders pledged to continue the process of building the country to turn it into a model under its Hashemite leadership, which advocates moderation and the defense of pan-Arab issues at international forums