The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, sent cables of condolence and sympathy to His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein, King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, on the death of His Excellency Mr. Ahmed Obeidat, former Prime Minister.
This diplomatic gesture reflects the depth of the fraternal and historical relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, relations that transcend official protocols to underscore their shared solidarity in all circumstances. These relations are based on strong bonds of brotherhood, neighborliness, and a common destiny, as well as continuous coordination at the highest levels to address regional and international challenges.
Who is Ahmed Obeidat?
Ahmad Obeidat, who passed away at the age of 86, is considered one of the most prominent statesmen in the history of modern Jordan. Born in 1938, he held sensitive and important positions throughout his long career, serving as Director of General Intelligence, then Minister of the Interior, before being tasked with forming the government as Prime Minister from January 1984 to April 1985 during the reign of the late King Hussein bin Talal.
A legacy of integrity and anti-corruption
Ahmad Obeidat's name is etched in the Jordanian memory for his renowned and courageous anti-corruption campaign, launched immediately upon assuming the premiership. His campaign targeted high-ranking officials and influential figures, earning him widespread respect among the Jordanian public and establishing him as an honest statesman who fears no one in upholding the truth. Although his tenure as prime minister was relatively short, it left a clear and profound mark on Jordanian political life, and his term became a benchmark against which subsequent governments are measured regarding integrity and transparency.
After leaving his government post, Obeidat remained an influential political figure and a prominent activist in demanding political and democratic reforms. He participated in founding the “National Movement for Reform,” and his voice remained heard in public affairs, criticizing government policies and defending the rule of law and public freedoms until his later years.
Text of condolence telegrams
In his telegram, the King said: “We have learned of the death of His Excellency Mr. Ahmed Obeidat, the former Prime Minister of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan - may God have mercy on him - and as we send to Your Majesty and to the family of the deceased our deepest condolences and sincere sympathy, we ask God Almighty to have mercy on him and forgive him, and to grant him a place in His spacious Paradise, and to protect you from all harm. Indeed, we belong to God and to Him we shall return.”.
As His Highness the Crown Prince said in his telegram: “I received the news of the death of His Excellency Mr. Ahmed Obeidat, the former Prime Minister of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan - may God have mercy on him - and I send to Your Majesty and to the family of the deceased my deepest condolences and sincere sympathy, asking the Almighty God to have mercy on him and forgive him, and to grant him a spacious place in Paradise, and to protect you from all harm, for He is the All-Hearing, the Responsive.”.
