His Majesty King Abdullah II said today that Jordan has achieved many of its goals for structural reforms to support sustained economic growth in the country, the most important of which is the sharp reduction in its debt from three quarters of the GDP to less than a third.

Speaking at the annual conference of the Movement of the French Enterprises (MEDEF), King Abdullah noted that such steps are vital for enhancing opportunities for private investments and freeing resources for public investments in infrastructure and development.

The King also said that Jordan had taken difficult decisions to achieve structural reform, enhance good governance and support sound fiscal and monetary policies.

Addressing the 3,000 participants at this year's MEDEF, which included leading politicians, academics and French businessmen, King Abdullah said "it is you, who can help lead solutions to our world's great challenges: sustainable energy to meet rising demand, a ‘green' global economy, answers to water scarcities, and a solution to the world's economic inequities."

The King stressed the centrality of the role of youth in national development, noting Jordan's determination "to help them succeed - to build productive, positive lives and be part of global progress."

"For that future to happen, we want to make good jobs ready for our young people. And we are making our young people ready for those good jobs," he said, adding that Jordan has made a national investment in education and training for market-ready skills, the results of which have been recognised by French investors who lead investments in Jordan.

While demonstrating that the Jordanian experience is a clear example of the strength of stability and moderation, the King said that these are threatened by ongoing regional crises, particularly the Palestinian- Israeli conflict.

“Until there is justice for Palestinians, a highly strategic region will be held back by division, trust between the Muslim world and the West will be vulnerable and the forces of extremism will find more fuel for their agenda of conflict,” King Abdullah warned.