King meets House speaker, heads of committees

Amman
08 January 2018

His Majesty King Abdullah on Monday praised the House of Representatives’ committees for their hard work in 2017, stressing the important role they have to play in the coming phase, amidst the challenges facing Jordan.

At a meeting with the House speaker and the heads of committees, held at Al Husseiniya Palace, King Abdullah reaffirmed that the necessary economic and financial reforms currently underway must ensure the protection of lower income families and the empowerment of the middle class.

His Majesty also called for maintaining government-House cooperation to move ahead with plans to develop the economy.

Despite the great economic challenges facing Jordan, there is reason for optimism this year, the King noted, stressing the importance of addressing the debt.

Achieving economic growth, His Majesty continued, is key to moving in the right direction.

A different and serious approach is needed to put Jordan’s house in order in 2018, the King told the MPs, expressing his optimism in the Kingdom’s ability to move forward.

The biggest challenges are the economic situation, poverty, unemployment, and how to protect the middle class and lower income families, His Majesty added, stressing that this is everyone’s duty.

The King said the House will be deliberating several key pieces of legislation, such as the draft income tax law, which will be geared towards combating tax evasion.

His Majesty added that all institutions must shoulder their responsibilities by preparing the programmes and strategies required to stimulate growth and develop human resources.

Officials must be decisive and confident, the King asserted.

His Majesty urged far-reaching public sector reforms in parallel to the reforms currently underway at the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army and security agencies.

All officials, deputies, and senators must pitch in to ensure the progress of the 2018 reform programme, the King affirmed.

Urging transparency to move forward in reform and overcome challenges, His Majesty noted that all are in agreement on the bases for Jordan’s development, and what is needed now is actual implementation.

The King said he is well aware of the potential of Jordanian capabilities, which can help the country achieve further progress.

His Majesty added that he has released a number of discussion papers, but is yet to see their principles implemented by the various institutions in deeds, not mere words.

Respecting the rule of law is a must, and there can be no leniency in enforcing it, the King said, expressing his absolute rejection of any attempt by an MP or official to meddle in the work of the judiciary.

One cannot respect the law outside Jordan and then attempt to violate it in the Kingdom, His Majesty said.

Turning to the developments related to the Palestinian cause and Jerusalem, the King reiterated Jordan’s steadfast positions.

Jordan has spared no effort to support the Palestinians and their just cause, His Majesty continued, noting that the region cannot stabilise without a just and permanent solution to the Palestinian issue.

No decisions or stands will change the legal and historical facts in Jerusalem, including the rights of Muslims and Christians to the holy city, the King asserted.

Jerusalem must be everyone’s priority, His Majesty added, noting its nature as a unifying city.

Jordan will reach out to the US administration in the upcoming phase to avoid any vacuums that may harm the Kingdom’s interests, the King said, stressing the need to weigh in on any plans related to the region.

His Majesty added that Jordan maintains continuous coordination with Arab countries to shape positions on the serious challenges facing the region.

The trilateral ceasefire agreement between Jordan, the United States, and Russia, and the establishment of a de-escalation zone in southern Syria can help reach a political solution and protect Jordanian interests, the King said.

His Majesty stressed that Jordan supports all initiatives aimed at reaching a comprehensive political solution within the Geneva process that guarantees Syria’s unity and stability.

In remarks at the meeting, House Speaker Atef Tarawneh praised the King’s wise policies, noting that the House of Representatives had clear guidance when addressing the world on Jerusalem.

Outlining the House’s latest achievements, Tarawneh said MPs have endorsed 14 bills, including the draft budget law.

Economic reform laws and the tax bill must be studied carefully to ensure they reflect positively on citizens and investors, the House speaker added.

For their part, the heads of House committees outlined their panels’ achievements, stressing the importance of bolstering the House-government partnership.

They also expressed pride in His Majesty’s honourable positions on internal and external issues, stressing that Jordan has managed to charge ahead with reform and to maintain its stability and security despite the rapid regional developments.

They called for increasing economic growth and creating job opportunities for Jordanians, urging support for the industry, energy, agriculture, tourism, and healthcare sectors, and affirming the importance of public-private partnerships.

The lawmakers stressed the need to combat tax evasion and corruption, calling for developing the public sector, empowering women and youth, and providing an investment-friendly climate.

They praised the King’s efforts in defending the Palestinian cause and Jerusalem, and safeguarding Islamic and holy sites in the city, in line with the Hashemite Custodianship.

The MPs said residents of refugee camp, villages, and cities in Jordan are proud of the historical positions of the Hashemites and His Majesty on Jerusalem and its holy sites.

Royal Hashemite Court Chief Fayez Tarawneh and Director of the Office of His Majesty Jafar Hassan attended the meeting.