Young Jordanians turned out to cheer King Abdullah II during a celebration to mark his 20th year on the throne. The ceremony, attended by hundreds of students from around the kingdom, was held at the Royal Cultural Centre in Amman. The monarch, who ascended to the throne on June 9, 1999, was accompanied by Queen Rania and Prince Hussein. He later tweeted: "It is from your determination that I draw mine and when you’re joyful and happy, my happiness lasts. "I was so proud to be surrounded by young men and women from different areas of the country and witness their sincere efforts and great love as they celebrated our Jordan and its accomplishments. "You are the foundation of our country. "With you and through you, the country continues to rise and achievements become fulfilled." Separately, King Abdullah held a meeting with young Jordanian entrepreneurs to hear their problems and suggestions and directed the government to develop a programme to provide funding, training and technical support for youth starting small- and medium-sized projects, Petra said.<br/> King Abdullah's accession to the throne followed the death on February 7, 1999 of his father King Hussein, who had ruled Jordan since 1952. Later on Wednesday, King Abddullah left for Abu Dhabi to attend the joint Jordanian-Emirati military drill codenamed "Firm Constants/1".<br/> Petra said the king was accompanied by Crown Prince Hussein.
