His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday sent a letter to former Royal Court Minister, Samir Rifai, who was appointed on Tuesday as an advisor to His Majesty the King.

King Abdullah expressed his appreciation to Rifai's sincere efforts and dedication and said in the letter: "You will always be a close and respected confidant of ours."

Marwan Muasher, deputy Prime Minister and minister of state for prime ministry affairs and government performance in Faisal Fayez's team, was appointed on Tuesday as Minister of the Royal Court.

Full text of His Majesty's letter:

In the name of God, the Most Merciful, the Compassionate,

Your Excellency Brother Samir Rifai,

May God Bless and protect you,
Peace and God's blessings upon you,

It is my pleasure to extend to you my best regards and wishes for happiness and success, and to express my appreciation for your devotion and honesty in executing your duties in a spirit of initiation and belonging to our dear homeland.

I entrusted you before with the post of Minister of the Royal Hashemite Court and you were worthy of that trust, shouldering responsibility and executing your duties with distinction and ability. This was the manner in which you handled all posts you assumed in our Court. We will always appreciate with gratitude your relentless efforts in all such posts.

Today, when you leave your post as Minister of the Royal Court to assume the post of advisor to me and continue your good efforts in the service of your country, I reaffirm my appreciation for all you have done, and that you will always be – as you have always been – close to me, enjoying trust and respect.

While I congratulate you on your new post, I pray to God Almighty to bless you and grant you success in the service of your homeland.

Peace, God's mercy and His blessings upon you,

Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein
 Amman, 5 April 2005