His Majesty King Abdullah on Sunday highlighted Jordan's reform efforts during a meeting with a delegation from the US House of Representatives.

King Abdullah commended the US Congress and Administration's support for development and reform programmes the Kingdom is embarking on at all levels, stressing that the Arab Spring has created the suitable atmosphere for Jordan to move ahead with its comprehensive reform process.

The King briefed the congressmen on steps taken to expedite reforms, which, he noted, started with constitutional amendments followed by several measures organising political life.

His Majesty noted that the coming parliamentary elections will be the first step towards establishing parliamentary governments and the emergence of political blocs representing the left, right and centre.

Stressing that enhancing representation and participation  in decision-making is the main objective of the reform process, the King said political reforms should entail plans to combat poverty and unemployment, create work opportunities, enhance Jordanians' living conditions and ensure a better future for all citizens.

Discussions during the meeting also covered current regional developments and the situation in Syria. King Abdullah underlined the need to find a solution to the Syrian crisis within the Arab consensus, adding that Jordan supports the mission of UN and Arab League envoy Kofi Annan, aimed to prevent more bloodshed and violence in Syria.

On the Middle East peace process, the King underlined the international community's responsibility in pushing the peace process forward and achieving a just and comprehensive solution, arriving at the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders that lives side-by-side with Israel. He stressed the centrality of the Palestinian cause to the region, especially at this stage, which is marked by many political developments in the region.

King Abdullah underscored the need for the US to assist the Palestinian and Israeli sides to return to the negotiating table and address final status issues.

For their part, the congressmen, led by Tom Price (R-Georgia) and Patrick Meehan (R-Pennsylvania), commended the Kingdom's reform efforts, stressing their commitment to fostering the Jordanian-US partnership to best serve the interests of the two countries.

The US legislators also lauded the Kingdom's regional role.