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What else took place at the 8MSP?

Opening ceremony

The 8MSP was preceded by an opening ceremony which commenced with a speech from His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan, delivered by Chief Chamberlain His Royal Highness Prince Ra'ad Ben Zeid. In addition, speeches were delivered by His Royal Highness Prince Mired, Chair of Jordan's National Committee for Demining and Rehabilitation, and, by landmine survivors Suleiman Ghnaimat of Jordan and Song Kosal of Cambodia.

  • Statement by His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan, delivered by Chief Chamberlain His Royal Highness Prince Ra'ad Ben Zeid PDF 114KB
  • His Royal Highness Prince Mired, Chair of Jordan's National Committee for Demining and Rehabilitation PDF 134KB
  • Statement by Mr. Suleiman Ghnaimat PDF 97KB
  • Statement by Ms. Song Kosal PDF 20KB

The opening ceremony also featured: a song about landmines was then performed by a group of school girls from the Zamlat Al-Amir Ghazi School, which is on the landmine infested northern border area of Mafraq; a short documentary about mine action in Jordan; and, Qassem's Song performed by Rose el Wirr and Ali Badr Hamza. In addition, a traditional folklore dance was performed by the local 'Hael' Dance Troupe. The ceremony concluded with two school children from the mine affected governorate of Mafraq presenting paintings that express their impressions of landmines to HRH Prince Mired Raad Bin Zeid for His Majesty King Abdullah II.

Field visit

On the morning of 17 November 8MSP delegates observed progress made and challenges that remain in implementing the Convention in Jordan during a field visit in the Jordan Valley. The trip included a stop at the ‘Baptism Site’ where Jesus was baptized and which is of course one of Jordan’s most important religious sites. This site was once a big minefield that was totally cleared of all landmines in 2000.

Side events

A variety of side events were held from 18 to 22 November.

On 17 November delegates participated in a field visit to the Baptism Site in the Jordan Valley.