His Majesty King Abdullah II said that our quest to enhance democracy aims at developing Jordan, stressing the importance of cooperation and coordination between the parliament and the government to approve laws related to economic, social and political development.

His Majesty, who chaired part of a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, in the presence of Hashemite Royal Court Minister Sameer Rifai, expressed satisfaction over the government's performance and the prime minister's contacts with the various social, economic and political figures and institutions.

The King affirmed, in his first visit to the Prime Ministry since the formation of the government of Faisal Al Fayez, that the time schedule that the government has put for each minister and ministry, is extremely important and that each minister should be committed to this schedule and implement his duties. "Despite the obstacles that face the government, I am satisfied with the role of the prime minister and his efforts, as well as the contacts and communications between the government and the citizens, he said, expressing hope that the year 2004 will be a good one for Jordan.

Our major goal, the King said, is improving the economic and social conditions of citizens, reducing poverty and unemployment, in addition to the political development, which is one of the major agendas of the government.

The King urged the government to be flexible when it comes to increasing taxes and prices, stressing the importance of giving more attention to the poor and not increasing the burdens their shouldered.

Prime Minister Faisal Al Fayez affirmed at the outset of the session that the government is implementing His Majesty's approach on field work to get familiarized with all issues on the ground. "The ministerial team, and in implementation of His Majesty's vision in the letter of designation, is working in harmony through sharing responsibilities and reducing beauracy," he added.

The prime minister pointed out that the government listened to the views of all, and is seeking to implement the King's vision on political development which will be presented for dialogue with all institutions and bodies concerned in political development. "The government started developing the work of the Jordanian media sector to enable the Jordanian media to become an effective one that reflects what His Majesty King Abdullah is doing for the benefit of Jordan," Al Fayez said.

He affirmed that the government seeks to examine various laws to achieve His Majesty?s vision with regard to equality between men and women, activate youth capacities and enhance the concept of loyalty to the homeland and the Hashemite leadership.