President Reuven Rivlin marked Jordan’s Independence Day on Thursday by speaking at a reception hosted in Tel Aviv by Jordanian Ambassador to Israel Walid Obeidat.
Rivlin began by speaking in Arabic, sending his regards to the Jordanian King and Queen and all the citizens of Jordan – which the British established by fiat in 1946 when they created a kingdom for Abdullah I of Saudi Arabia.
“On the occasion of the 70th Independence Day of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan,” said Rivlin in Arabic, “I wish Jordan prosperity. Friends, Jordan is a great and important state in our region.”
Rivlin then switched to English, saying, “All over the Middle East, we face difficult challenges; the ongoing tragedy in Syria, the instability in Iraq, and the jihadist terrorism which dares to speak in the name of Islam, brings so many to seek refuge. The Hashemite Kingdom is facing all these challenges with honor, with dignity, and with great national and human solidarity.”
“Jordan has long been a unique example of a strong state, and a moderate state. Your moderation does not come from weakness; it is a sign of your strength. Israel is proud to be Jordan’s partner and to stand at Jordan’s side, in promoting stability and quiet to our entire region.”
The president said that Jordan played a critical role over the last year in dealing with escalating Arab terrorism in Israel. “The special role that Jordan carries in Jerusalem will remain strong as it is today, and the state of Israel is fully committed to ensuring this status will not change.”
Jordanian Ambassador to Israel Walid Obeidat then spoke. He thanked Rivlin for his words and quoted King Abdullah II: “Jordan’s pride in its religion and Arab identity are a nationality constant. Jordan was founded on the religious legitimacy of the Hashemites, who advocate Islam in a way that presents to the world the true image of this religion as a faith of tolerance, that rejects all forms of religious extremism and violence.”
He then continued to stress the importance of cooperation between the two nations. “I would like to single out cooperation on the water issues. This collaboration has expanded noticeably over the past year, and when we say water in the Middle East, it does really attract the attention of people.”
He added, “we hope that our joint endeavor will materialize soon for the benefit of Jordanians, Israelis, and Palestinians alike. We also hope to see our relations expand in the area of energy.”
