Abdullah II Meets with a US Congressional Delegation

His Majesty King Abdullah II reviewed with a US congressional aides delegation Jordan's reform efforts, Jordanian-US ties as well as the latest developments in the region. The King briefed the delegation on steps that have been taken to achieve comprehensive reforms in various fields to ensure a wider public participation in decision making and in the development process.

He told the US lawmakers that Jordan is moving in the right direction to bring about reforms, stressing the importance of accomplishing economic reforms that address imbalances as well as economic challenges, mainly poverty and unemployment in addition to creating job opportunities for Jordanian youth. His Majesty also outlined Jordan's efforts to develop the educational sector as well as accomplishments that have been achieved in this regard. Members of the delegation expressed appreciation of progress and development of the Kingdom's IT sector as well as projects in this area.

"Jordanian political parties, which should represent the right, the center and the left, should crystalize specific and practical programs and plans that would contribute to addressing various challenges and issues of concern to citizens such as health, education and job opportunities, The King said during the meeting which was attended by HRH Prince Faisal Bin Al Hussein and Director of the King's Office Imad Fakhoury.

On the Middle East peace process, King Abdullah highlighted the role of the international community in pushing peace forward and solving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict leading to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. The King said that Israel's policy to expand settlements and take unilateral measures in Palestinian lands, mainly in Jerusalem, would undermine peace efforts and increase tension and instability in the region.

His Majesty also highlighted the United States' role in helping the Palestinians and Israelis to return to the negotiating table and discuss all final status issues, to achieve aspirations of the Palestinians as well as their legitimate rights in establishing an independent state. On the situation in Syria, the King expressed concern over developments in the neighbouring country, stressing the need to end violence and arrive at a peaceful solution to the Syrian crisis.

He also expressed Jordan's support to the UN-Arab League envoy to Syria Kofi Annan. The Us lawmakers valued King Abdullah's efforts to bring about peace and stability in the region as well as the King's reform efforts. They also stressed their keenness to boost cooperation and friendship between Jordan and the United States.