Ammon News - AMMONNEWS - King Abdullah II , on Wednesday, visited the Al-Hassan Industrial Estate in the northern Irbid governorate, and took a firsthand look at a number of productive enterprises which aim at creating jobs, empowering and supporting the youths.

His Majesty also visited a factory for household appliances which was funded by the Governorates Development Fund, established at under a royal gesture with a cost of JD150 million.

The King also dropped by a center for innovative projects which seek to turn creative ideas into real initiatives on the ground to serve the overall national development drive. The King gave orders to continue supporting such projects and providing the appropriate conditions to ensure their success. The projects were mainly in areas of solar energy, water treatment systems, auto parts manufacturing, computer technology, metal, and crafts and food industries among others.

A number of entrepreneurs delivered briefings on the their projects and job opportunities they provide to the local communities.

In Irbid, the King visited a Public Security Department retiree who joined the police in 1970 and retired in 198 after he had a car accident.

During a lunch banquet hosted by former minister, Abdul Razzaq Tubaishat, the King met with Irbid's notables, elders and tribal figures for a discussion on national issues and regional developments.

The King told the audience that Jordan is familiar with all the details of the ongoing negotiations between the Palestinians and the Israelis.

The meeting also dealt with the challenges and burdens borne by the Kingdom as a result of hosting a massive influx of Syrian refugees on its territory, and pressures they put on national resources, especially in the northern governorates.

The King stressed that the development of the governorates remain a top priority and that everyone must work as a team, underlining the importance of attracting investments to the northern region to slash poverty and unemployment.

He called on Irbid's officials and citizens to participate in local policy-making and set priorities that enhance living conditions.

*Petra