King Abdullah says President builds national strength

King Abdullah of Jordan yesterday opened the sixth annual conference of the Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research (ECSSR) under the theme "Leadership and Management in the Information Age".
King Abdullah said that the UAE's leader had charted the course for a modern nation.
"Indeed, the vision, wisdom and devotion of His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan have shown how responsible leadership can build internal strength and cohesion, and sustain regional order," he said.
Sheikh Zayed has set an example in adapting to changing times while preserving the unique moral and historical fundamentals of culture, religion and nationalism, King Abdullah said.
"It is at trying times like these that we truly value his leadership and seek the benefit of his advice. I speak on behalf of many in wishing His Highness Sheikh Zayed a speedy recovery and healthy and quick return to his country, his nation and his family," he added.
"The theme of this conference is both relevant and timely. It acknowledges the challenges faced by countries and corporations around the world at the dawn of the new century," he said.
"The international economic order is evolving into a highly integrated and electronically networked system. Information and ideas transmitted through satellites are influencing the expectations and behaviour of people around the globe," he said.
"Social barriers to commerce and integrated financial markets are being significantly reduced. A new reality has emerged, one that applauds interdependence and abhors isolation, that is full of new opportunities and ripe with risk and peril.
"The rapidly changing international environment calls on developing countries to adopt new programmes and to make new choices for the future. We must all realise that sustainable growth, economic strength and social welfare can no longer be separated from solid democratic foundations," he said.
Such foundations should be based on a political will to ensure accountability, equity and justice.
"Political stability, economic reform and the rule of law will continue to be the main pillars of economic development," he said.
Jordan entered the new century aware of the challenges it poses and opportunities it brings. It was a symbol of modern civil society that upholds human rights, democratic norms, pluralistic ideals and social harmony as its guiding principle, King Abdullah said.