His Majesty King Abdullah on Monday stressed that Jordan is “steadily” marching towards the implementation of its development and reform programmes and plans.

During a meeting with a delegation from the British Houses of Lords and Commons, which is currently on a regional tour, King Abdullah said Jordan seeks to entrench democracy through expanding public participation in political life and enhancing the roles of women and youth.

His Majesty outlined Jordan’s efforts to achieve comprehensive reform - political, economic and social - and the steps taken in this regard, foremost of which are the constitutional amendments and key political laws.

He also stressed the need to transform public demands into effective political, economic and social programmes within an institutional framework, under which various parties and civil society institutions will assume their role in adopting and meeting these demands.

Regarding peace efforts, the King called for international cooperation to create the suitable atmosphere to bring Palestinian and Israeli officials back to the negotiating table to discuss all final status issues and work out a solution leading to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, living in peace and security to the side of a secure Israel.

Talks also covered regional developments, particularly in Syria.

The King stressed that Jordan is working to find a solution to the Syrian crisis within the Arab consensus, renewing support for the mission of the UN-Arab League peace envoy, Kofi Annan.

Commending the King’s efforts to achieve reform in Jordan, the delegates stressed their country’s keenness to enhance cooperation with Jordan.