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Ammon News - AMMONNEWS - His Majesty King Abdullah II, on Wednesday, ordered the government to cut spending and take the necessary measures to revisit the salaries of senior state officials as well as per diem allowances and privileges.

His Majesty emphasized that the focus in the next stage should be on the creation of jobs and starting productive projects. He stressed the importance of protecting the poor and the middle class in light of the current difficult conditions.

This came during a visit to the northwestern governorate of Ajloun where he met with local leaders and dignitaries and inaugurated Kufranjah dam. His Majesty also laid the foundation stone of a traditional costume factory.

The King told the audience that he was aware of the unemployment challenge in Ajloun and emphasized the importance of slashing poverty and unemployment, not only in Ajloun, but across the nation.

King Abdullah urged coordination and teamwork between the government and lawmakers to serve the nation and address challenges. The King said the armed forces and the various security agencies carry out operations, "that we don't announce", everyday protecting the homeland and citizens.

"Our country is strong and our citizen is brave...in any other country, citizens would run from gunfire, but in Jordan, you see the Jordanian running towards confrontation to protect his country and compatriots," His Majesty said.

The King noted that Syrian refugees make up almost 20 per cent of the Kingdom's population and that 25 per cent of the state budget is used to address the ramifications of the refugee crisis. He said the international community fell short of extending assistance to Jordan which holds additional burdens arising from hosting refugees.