His Majesty King Abdullah urged acceleration in the economic reform process, warning of “negative repercussions of the delay on national economy”.

King Abdullah made his remarks at a meeting with chief editors of daily newspapers and directors general of government media departments on Wednesday.

He said economic reform is a vital prerequisite for the success of all aspects of political reform, adding that meeting economic challenges so as to minimise their negative impact is a pressing priority.

In this regard, King Abdullah said the media can be effective in encouraging local and foreign investors to invest in and execute major projects that create jobs and ease poverty and unemployment.

At the political level, the King also stressed his keenness to see the outcomes of the National Dialogue Committee’s discussions translated into facts on the ground.

The panel has recently concluded deliberations of new elections and political parties laws.

King Abdullah also said he would support the suggestions of a committee now exploring possible constitutional changes.

“However, the outcomes should take their time and go through the legislative channels,” the King told the journalists, assuring the public that the panel revising the Constitution is “progressing on the right path”.

The media again has a role to play in this context, he said, pointing out the need to explain to the public amendments to the two said laws and to reach a national consensus on the changes.

During the meeting, King Abdullah said that the process of Jordan’s accession to the Gulf Cooperation Council will commence soon. He also outlined the outcomes of his recent visits to the UK and the US, underlining Washington’s “seriousness in supporting Jordan economically”.