His Majesty King Abdullah II tasked today Jafar Hassan with forming a new Cabinet, after accepting the resignation of Bisher Khasawneh’s Cabinet.

 

Read more: Who is Prime Minister-designate Jaafar Hassan?

 

Below is the official letter of designation, per the Royal Hashemite Court (RHC):

 

In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

 

Dear Brother Dr. Jaafar Hassan,

 

Peace, mercy, and blessings of God be upon you.

 

After relying on God, I entrust you with the formation of a new cabinet, following the acceptance of the resignation of Dr. Bisher Al-Khasawneh's government. You and your ministerial team will lead the next phase, which we all aspire to make one of progress and prosperity for our beloved nation.

 

The government’s compass should be to continue with national modernization programs, implemented with determination and competence, to bolster our resilience and capabilities, for they represent the state's project for the future.

 

Jordan’s journey has always been filled with achievements, despite challenging regional circumstances that have had an impact on us. We have learned from these experiences, and we launched a comprehensive modernization project based on national consensus. We are now at the beginning of this project, which will shape our path as we embark on the second century of our cherished Jordanian state.

 

I express my trust and pride in you and my appreciation for your efforts in all public responsibilities you have served in with distinction and dedication over the past three decades. I look forward to you carrying out your mission with the well-known determination, strong will, and effective institutional performance based on the clear vision laid out by the political, economic, and administrative modernization tracks over recent years.

 

This requires a ministerial team that is ambitious, believes in the modernization vision, and is equipped with the necessary competence, national responsibility, and boldness to make decisions and find solutions that serve citizens by overcoming obstacles. The government has significant responsibilities and will be held accountable.

 

The tasks of ministers must be clear, with measurable annual goals subject to continuous monitoring and evaluation, aligned with the comprehensive modernization vision. These tasks should be carried out without hesitation, and no interests should guide the government’s actions other than the national interest. Citizens should feel the positive impact of these efforts.

 

Your team also bears the responsibility of intensifying direct field engagement with citizens, addressing their issues and priorities, listening to their opinions, and involving them in shaping directions and visions. This will ensure addressing challenges and needs, while capitalizing on available opportunities.

 

 

The previous government made commendable efforts in implementing key projects and programs within our comprehensive modernization vision, which must be built upon, expedited, and kept on track. Just days ago, Jordan strengthened its resilience by successfully completing the first step in the implementation of the political modernization track through the election of the 20th House of Representatives.

 

The modernization project ensures political vitality as we transition into a new century for the state. This project is now a reality, with constitutional and legal amendments that resulted in a new Parliament, which includes emerging political parties. This Parliament represents the first step in the political modernization path. Everyone’s efforts must converge to advance it, and the government has a key role in fostering it through professional relations with Parliament and political parties, in accordance with the constitutional framework.

 

The government must work with the House of Representatives to entrench democratic principles and values, strengthening our democratic and constitutional institutions and fostering political participation. This requires dialogue and consultation with parliamentary committees, blocs, and parties on issues and decisions that affect citizens' lives, in a way that prioritizes the national interest over any other.

 

It is also crucial to enhance the political environment that protects rights and freedoms, encouraging all citizens to engage in Jordan’s political project without hesitation. The success of this project hinges on the collective belief that it is a project for all Jordanians, aimed at establishing a party-based political life that amplifies the voices, priorities, and needs of the people.

 

There is also a need to prepare for upcoming local elections, requiring a review and refinement of related legislation to enable local governance structures to play their developmental and service roles effectively, improve oversight and accountability tools, and build the capacity of local council members and staff while aligning with the economic modernization vision for optimal and equitable distribution of development gains.

 

Jordan is moving forward with the clear implementation of the economic modernization vision, which is subject to continuous monitoring and evaluation through mechanisms established within the Royal Court under my personal supervision. These mechanisms operate through clear, publicly announced executive programs with specified timeframes, designed to unlock potential and achieve sustainable, inclusive growth, which in turn, will double investment and increase employment opportunities for our sons and daughters, ensuring a better quality of life for our people. The government must operate transparently and clearly define its working mechanisms with precision and accountability.

 

Maintaining our prudent fiscal policies to preserve economic stability and control debt in the face of regional and global challenges is crucial to safeguarding our economic resilience and accelerating development and growth to meet the goals of economic modernization.

 

Major projects, particularly in water, transport, energy, and emerging economic sectors, should be at the forefront of government efforts. Investment is the true driver of a resilient economy, and must become the primary means of funding our projects and infrastructure, rather than relying on aid. Thus, the government should intensify efforts to create an enabling investment environment.

 

International and Arab investments are essential sources for growth and job creation. Close cooperation with our partners and brothers in preparing and executing investment projects and opportunities is vital for positioning Jordan as a leading regional and global investment hub within the framework of regional cooperation, international trade networks, and the economic infrastructure.

 

To that end, the government should begin the actual implementation of the investment promotion plan, targeting various investor groups, and improving the investor experience by reducing procedural obstacles through continuous legislative improvements and providing swift and effective solutions to their needs.

 

Jordan has established itself as a leader in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector, pioneering this field since the early 21st century. We aim to build on this foundation, positioning the Kingdom as a regional hub for ICT services. This requires attracting global technology companies and supporting local entrepreneurs and businesses, which have already made a mark on the regional level.

 

The government must give special attention to future technologies, working through partnerships with the private sector, universities, and all relevant stakeholders locally and globally, with clear timeframes, to harness these technologies in re-engineering and improving services. This will ease the lives of our citizens and enhance Jordan’s competitiveness regionally and globally.

 

The government must also adhere to the timeline for digital transformation across government institutions, embrace innovative ideas and modern technologies, and support the National Cybersecurity Center’s efforts in preparing the executive program for the 2024-2028 national cybersecurity strategy. This will establish a comprehensive and sustainable national framework for managing cyber operations, ensuring early detection and effective response to cyber incidents and threats that the Kingdom may face.

 

In addition, the government must establish and sustain advanced government service centers, which provide high-quality services to citizens. When dealing with any government entity, citizens, investors, and visitors should experience a noticeable improvement in the efficiency and quality of services provided.

 

The government must also continue to develop the financial services and markets sector, which should enable economic growth based on sound principles and support the private sector and investment funds.

 

Urban development must be one of the government’s main priorities to improve the quality of life for citizens in cities, ensuring better service options, expanding green spaces, and increasing public parks.

 

The government must continue preparing for the New City project, which plays a key role in reducing pressure on Amman and Zarqa in partnership with the private sector, while providing significant economic, investment, and social benefits.

 

Improving the quality of life also requires enhancing transport infrastructure and promoting modern, safe, and efficient transportation systems to improve public transport services. Expanding the rapid bus system, already implemented in Amman and Zarqa, to cover wider areas will ease the lives of citizens and enable them to overcome barriers to entering the labor market.

 

The mining sector is another promising area for economic growth. The government must focus on maximizing the use of the Kingdom’s natural resources and attracting investment to accelerate the commercial and industrial utilization of these resources, as well as natural gas. This also includes expanding into renewable and green energy, such as green hydrogen, which presents an opportunity for transformative leaps toward clean and sustainable energy.

 

The industrial sector must be empowered to be more competitive in local and foreign markets, open new markets, and take full advantage of Jordan's trade and economic agreements with countries worldwide. It is essential to explore emerging markets to enhance exports of Jordanian products and services.

 

The surrounding regional conditions pose significant challenges to many sectors, foremost among them tourism, a key contributor to our national economy. The government must strengthen the resilience of this sector by developing clear plans to address challenges and activating the Tourism Development and Promotion Fund. It is also crucial to showcase Jordan as a safe, year-round tourist destination, despite regional instability.

 

Simultaneously, the government must work on raising the quality of services provided at all sites, improving the visitor experience in Jordan, upgrading tourist facilities, and diversifying tourism products.

 

To enhance our water security, the government must begin implementing the National Water Carrier Project next year, one of the most significant public-private partnership projects. Efforts to reduce water loss, prevent illegal water usage, and hold violators accountable must accompany this.

 

Jordan has made significant strides in enhancing food security. These efforts must continue within an institutional framework, fostering self-reliance and addressing price fluctuations and the crises affecting the region and the world.

 

 

Education is the true source of a state’s prosperity, and we must continue its modernization and development. Vocational and technical education must be prioritized in schools, centers, and universities to bridge the gap between education outcomes and market needs.

 

It is essential to focus on teacher training and curriculum development, expand the use of technology and smart teaching systems, provide safe and motivating school environments, and increase the number of schools and kindergartens.

 

Our educational institutions must also serve as the foundation for building citizenship and respect for the rule of law and social values.

 

Moreover, the government must monitor the quality of higher education, especially in its teaching and scientific research aspects. The National Strategy for Higher Education and Scientific Research must be updated to improve university education’s competitiveness.

 

The government must focus on advancing the health sector and ensuring that all citizens have access to quality healthcare. The Social Security Corporation must provide better services to workers in Jordan and ensure the financial sustainability of the Social Security Fund.

 

You must also direct attention to public administration modernization, continue training public employees to improve institutional efficiency, and provide quality services to citizens.

 

The public sector should encourage excellence and merit, with modern organizational structures that avoid administrative duplication. It should also promote innovation, enhance governance, and develop public sector leadership by preparing programs and mechanisms to nurture promising national talent and empower young people to assume leadership roles.

 

Public sector reform must go hand in hand with the modernization tracks in politics and the economy, enabling government institutions to carry out their responsibilities with high performance and accountability.

 

Women must also be empowered to fully participate in public and private life, given their essential role in our national progress.

 

Youth must remain at the heart of the modernization project. The government must provide youth with opportunities to engage in economic, political, and social life, fostering their potential and empowering them in decision-making.

 

The government must encourage young people to participate in sports and engage with local communities, promoting the values of teamwork and excellence in every field. Additionally, it is essential to establish an innovative strategy for youth engagement through comprehensive development plans that meet their aspirations.

At the heart of our foreign policy is the Palestinian cause, our central issue. Jordan has never hesitated to support the Palestinian people’s struggle to realize their legitimate rights, especially their right to establish their independent, sovereign, and viable Palestinian state on the 4 June 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital, based on the two-state solution.

 

We will continue all efforts to safeguard Jerusalem and its Islamic and Christian holy sites, under the Hashemite Custodianship.

 

Jordan’s strength lies in its strong Arab, regional, and international partnerships, which are based on a balanced and firm policy, guided by our national principles and interests. We will continue to stand in support of Arab causes and work to foster Arab and regional cooperation and integration in all fields, focusing on our collective security, stability, and prosperity.

 

In closing, I reiterate my trust in your abilities to rise to this national responsibility. I look forward to your efforts in leading the next stage of Jordan’s journey, built on the sacrifices and hard work of our ancestors, to ensure that our future generations inherit a strong, stable, and prosperous Jordan.

 

May God guide you on this journey to serve our beloved country, under the leadership of our people and in line with the legacy of the Hashemites.

 

May God protect Jordan and its people.

 

Peace, mercy, and the blessings of God be upon you.