His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday underscored the role of professional associations in propelling the national economy.

During a meeting with presidents of the professional associations, King Abdullah voiced confidence in Jordan’s ability to overcome challenges through its institutions and the ongoing reform process.

“Jordan is going through difficult economic and political challenges, but we can stand up to these and we will come out stronger than before,” the King said, expressing his optimism about the future of the country. “We have made important and daring strides in the reform process and we will continue to do so. We have a good and an important opportunity to upgrade our political life and political parties and to render Jordan a regional model,” His Majesty said.

King Abdullah reasserted that municipal elections will be held by the end of this year whereas parliamentary elections will be conducted in 2012, adding that polls will be carried out under the supervision of an independent body to guarantee free and fair elections.

Amendments made by a Royal committee, which are being debated in Parliament now, suggested that legislative elections be overseen by an independent commission. “We hope that the constitutional amendments will be endorsed within two weeks… to constitute the catalyst of the development of political life and political parties’ performance,” the King told the heads of the unions, noting that the amendments have undergone a great deal of examination and discussion.

King Abdullah also reiterated the importance of the collective national identity as a uniting force of all Jordanians. “It is an Arabic Islamic identity that encompasses all our country,” His Majesty said.

During the meeting, the King congratulated teachers for the endorsement of their professional association, voicing hope that the syndicate will provide an example of professionalism.

Association presidents attending the meeting expressed their support for the King’s vision, commending his “courage in dealing with national issues”. They also emphasised that Jordanians must see the results of the anti-corruption efforts on the ground, and that Jordanians must confront those who try to impede reform.

Also, the government and the private sector should facilitate work opportunities for young Jordanians abroad to mitigate the problem of unemployment, they pointed out, stressing the importance of strengthening the partnership between the public and the private sectors and their responsibilities towards the country.