President Pranab Mukherjee on Sunday inaugurated a street in the capital city of Jordan named after Mahatma Gandhi. A part of the Saddzagloul Street has been named the Mahatma Gandhi Street which after two intersections retains its old name which honours the Egyptian movement leader.
Mayor of Amman Aqel bel Tagi at a ceremony said that the street was specially chosen to be named after the Indian leader because “it connects the history of struggle for peace” in India and this part of the world. The late King Abdullah I also struggled in a peaceful manner to gain independence from Imperial rule in 1946, a year before India. This reflects the similarities and synergies between India and Jordan.
The City Council also presented Mukherjee with the golden key of Amman commemorating his historic visit. The President also planted an olive tree in Jordan’s Peace Park.
Jordan
- Jordan is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the south and east, Iraq to the north-east, Syria to the north, and Israel and Palestine to the west.
- Jordan has access to the Red Sea via the port city of Aqaba, located at the northern end of the Gulf of Aqaba.
- Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken .
- Jordan’s currency is the Jordanian Dinar, or JD.
- Although Jordan is a constitutional monarchy, the king holds wide executive and legislative powers.
Economy
- Industry: Phosphate mining, pharmaceuticals, petroleum refining, cement, potash
- Agriculture: Wheat, barley, citrus, tomatoes; sheep
- Exports: Phosphates, fertilizers, potash, agricultural products, manufactures
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