Following is the English translation of the King’s address to the nation on Friday:

“In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful,

Dear brothers and sisters,

My fellow Jordanians,

Peace, God's mercy and blessings be upon you,

I am not speaking to you today to give advice or directives, but to tell you that you have proven, as always, that you are giants among nations. Giants because you stand tall and strong in the face of adversity, not because of your resources or material wealth, but with your resolve and your unity, standing as one to protect the homeland and its people — our most precious asset.

I am always asked, why do you stand with confidence among nations when you come from a small country with limited resources? And I say, I stand confident, strong, and proud, because I am in the company of a great, prideful people, who stand united with their army and security agencies, who support their state institutions, and who work tenaciously and professionally and sacrifice bravely.

Let me tell you, you are giants because you achieve great things in the toughest circumstances. For you, nothing is impossible. You are giants because you are a testament to true sacrifice and selflessness. You are giants because you live in a nation that places human dignity above all else. Indeed, these are the Jordanians I know and proudly speak of to the world, fully confident in my people.

Yes, my family, my source of fortitude, we will overcome these conditions, God willing. Because Jordanians show their true mettle in the face of hardship; because you are determined and resolute; because you are up to the responsibility; because belonging to this nation and standing by the state and its institutions is what you do; and because you believe that in solidarity lies strength and a better future; we shall, God willing, overcome all challenges. Yes, soon, prayers will be held in mosques and churches, streets and markets will be bustling, workers will return to their factories, employees will return to their offices, and our sons and daughters, the students, will head to their schools and universities every morning. Soon, this will become a reality. This, too, shall pass, God willing.

I wish you all health and wellbeing, for ‘God is best at guarding, and He is the Most Merciful of merciful ones’.

source: JT