His Majesty King Abdullah stressed on Sunday the importance of enabling the country's youth to entrench democracy, dialogue and intellectual pluralism as high values in the Kingdom's schools.

In a letter to teachers and students on the occasion of the new scholastic year that was read by Minister of Education Fayez Al Saudi at Al Hashmeiyah Secondary School in the southern Badiah, King Abdullah urged teachers to nurture a new generation that respects diversity, debate and different opinions, and understands the importance of persuading others through effective communication.

“With your determination and giving, the fruitful process continues, in line with a national approach to education and a matrix of thought and moral values that has made Jordan a regional model, strong of its unique good people and their ability to overcome difficulties and address challenges with perseverance and creativity,” the King said.

The King expressed pride in Jordanian students and affirmed his keenness on reform through the culture of democracy and diversity of opinions in society.

His Majesty's letter was read in all schools across the Kingdom as around 1.7 million students started the new scholastic year.