A Jordanian embassy driver held hostage for two months in Iraq was greeted by Prime Minister Marouf Bakhit on Saturday on his return to the Kingdom, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Foreign Minister Abdul Ilah Khatib, Government Spokesperson Nasser Judeh, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs-of-Staff General Khalid Sarayreh and senior officials were also at the airport to welcome Mahmoud Saaidat, as well as several of his family members and friends.

Deputising for His Majesty King Abdullah, the premier, informed Saaidat of the intense efforts to secure his release.

â??The relentless efforts and ongoing follow-up from King Abdullah with various government institutions were very successful,â? Petra quoted Bakhit as telling Saaidat.

The prime minister also thanked all those who played a part in the release.

For his part, Saaidat said he was â??grateful to the King for his care,â? Petra reported.

Saaidat was then taken directly to the King Hussein Medical Centre in Amman for treatment after complaining of not feeling well, according to Petra.

Since the news broke of Saaidat’s release his family in the town of Taibeh, 250km south of Amman, have been gearing up for his arrival, decorating the entire neighbourhood with lanterns.

â??We cannot wait to have him back with us,â? said his 32-year-old brother Hassan. [Jordan Times]