His Majesty King Abdullah on Monday stressed the importance of enhancing the role of the King Abdullah II Award for Excellence Centre in spreading the culture of excellence in the country.

King Abdullah voiced his support for the centre to function as an umbrella for excellence awards in various sectors. He added that the King Abdullah II Award for Distinction in Government Performance and Transparency in particular encourages the development of public services.

The King made the remarks during a meeting with His Royal Highness Prince Feisal, chairman of the centre's board of trustees, members of the board's steering committee, Prime Minister Marouf Bakhit, Director of the King's Office Bassem Awadallah and Minister of Public Sector Reform Salem Khazaaleh.

During the meeting, Prince Feisal reviewed the achievements the King Abdullah II Award for Distinction in Government Performance and Transparency has made since its establishment, noting that these accomplishments have reflected positively on the services offered to citizens by the government.

Bakhit said it was important that the government follows up on the results of the award in cooperation with the Public Sector Reform Ministry.

This year, 11 ministries and 32 institutions and departments will compete for the award.

The King Abdullah II Award for Excellence Centre was established earlier this year to administer the Abdullah II Award for Distinction in Government Performance and Transparency.