His Majesty King Abdullah on Sunday highlighted the importance of improving the judicial system and providing it with qualified human resources to ensure justice and protect people's rights.

King Abdullah made the remarks during a meeting with Chairman of the Higher Judicial Council Rateb Wazani, who presented the King with a report on court operations in the Kingdom in 2009.

The King said the judicial system plays a key role in reform and development, noting that progress depends on a legal and judicial environment that guarantees the rule of law and an impartial judiciary.

King Abdullah said upgrading the judiciary is a national priority, and emphasised the need for a well-defined work plan to expedite and streamline litigation procedures and improve judicial facilities.

During the meeting, Wazani also briefed the King on the council's plans and programmes to improve its work.

In February this year, the King attended the opening of the Second Judicial Conference, during which a social solidarity fund for judges and judicial aides was initiated to support workers in the sector.

During the conference, Wazani, who is president of the Court of Cassation, said that King Abdullah instructed the government to take all necessary measures to establish the fund as part of the national strategy to develop the judiciary.