Khaberni - Former Prime Minister, Dr. Abdul Raouf Al-Rawabdeh, said that the Jordanian state has been based since its establishment on a clear message and national role, confirming that the acceptance of the founding king to establish the Emirate of Transjordan was the crucial political step that took Jordan out of the framework of the "Balfour Declaration", and consolidated its entity and role in its Arab surroundings.
This came during a lecture organized by Petra University through the university club under the title "The Jordanian Narrative", attended by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, His Excellency Dr. Ghazi Al-Zabin, the President of the University, Professor Dr. Rami Abdel Rahim, faculty and administrative staff, and a large gathering of university students. The session was moderated by the Dean of Student Affairs and the head of the club, Professor Dr. Iyad Al-Mallah.
Dr. Al-Rawabdeh confirmed that Jordan, Palestine, Syria, and Lebanon historically formed one people within one geography before the political borders were drawn, indicating that the deep social overlap between these countries is due to the old human migrations from the Arabian Peninsula, which contributed to the formation of the social fabric of the Levant.
Dr. Al-Rawabdeh clarified that the Arab identity of the Jordanian state is entrenched since its inception, noting that the first governments were called "Government of Eastern Arabia", and that Amman was a haven for the Arab freemen after the collapse of the Faisal government in Damascus, making the Jordanian national identity a naturally inclusive identity. He emphasized that "the Jordanian national identity" is the inclusive identity for everyone who carries the national number, rejecting the use of alternative terms that detract from its essence.
Dr. Al-Rawabdeh affirmed the unity of fate between the Jordanian and Palestinian peoples, describing Jordan as a partner in the Palestinian cause, not just a neighbor, and noted that investing in human resources through education and health has turned Jordanian competencies into a strategic resource that contributes to supporting the national economy and building sister nations.
In turn, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, His Excellency Dr. Ghazi Al-Zabin, affirmed that Dr. Al-Rawabdeh represents a model of national value and a genuine stance in defending Jordan and its Arab identity, pointing out the importance of documenting the Jordanian narrative as a pillar in enhancing national identity and protecting collective consciousness.
On his part, the President of the University, Professor Dr. Rami Abdel Rahim described the project of documenting the Jordanian narrative as a national project aimed at preserving memory and enhancing belonging, explaining that the narrative provides an interpretation and meaning to events, and sides with the national position, unlike the story that merely recounts time and place.
Dean of Student Affairs, Professor Dr. Iyad Al-Mallah pointed out that hosting this national figure is part of the university's approach to enhancing national awareness and intellectual dialogue among students.
