His Majesty King Abdullah, on Sunday, met with a number of dignitaries, tribal elders and army veterans from Amman and talked with them about a host of issues of concern to the capital in particular and the nation in general.

King Abdullah said most challenges facing the capital are in areas of public services, transport and traffic, environment, healthcare services and mounting pressure on public schools, adding the Royal Hashemite Court will continue to provide support to ease pressure on these key sectors alongside efforts the government exerts to improve living conditions. The King said the focus should be put on developing eastern Amman areas through striking closer cooperation and coordination between the government and the army to launch development-oriented ventures in the eastern part of the capital.

His Majesty thanked the Lower House of Parliament developing and endorsing the decentralisation scheme, stressing that the nation has a lot to do before the next parliamentary elections. The King assured that the Kingdom is moving forward despite regional challenges and turmoil.

Speaking on some social woes, particularly festive firing, His Majesty made it clear that the state will exercise zero-tolerance with those practicing this phenomenon and security agencies will do whatever it takes to put an end to this practice.

The King told the meeting, which included tribal figures, lawmakers, army veterans and public figures, that the Kingdom’s ties with Arab countries are very strong and that Jordan maintains close coordination with them on the Iraqi and Syrian issues.

His Majesty spoke about his visit to Russia last week and the talks he held over the Syria issue, saying he felt strong cooperation from Moscow to find an end to the crisis in Syria. The King noted that he will visit China next week to explore closer economic ties with Asian nation and attract investments into the Kingdom.