His Majesty King Abdullah received on Wednesday the European Union envoy to the Southern Mediterranean, Bernardino Leon, and reviewed current developments in Arab countries.

The King outlined the steps that Jordan is taking to speed up reform, highlighting the possibility of EU support for reform programmes.

Expressing Europe’s appreciation for the reform efforts led by King Abdullah, Leon said the EU will form a task force, comprising members from European countries, Jordan, Morocco, Egypt and Tunisia, to assist Arab countries that have come a long way in democratic transition. He added that the EU has set up a 10-billion-euro fund to support political reform and economic development in Arab countries in transition.

Leon told reporters after the meeting that the EU is committed to providing assistance and committees have been formed to support the Kingdom, especially in the field of investments to create more job opportunities.

The meeting was attended by Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh and His Majesty's Office Director Imad Fakhoury.