His Majesty King Abdullah on Thursday underlined the importance of empowering young people to express their opinions.

"Youths' freedom of expression is protected and I will work to remove any restriction limiting it," King Abdullah said.

During a meeting with a group of young Jordanians, the King emphasised that the elections law, which will be debated by the National Dialogue Committee, should ensure that all Jordanians are justly represented in Parliament.

He urged youth to participate in the municipal elections, scheduled to take place July.

The King said his meetings with young people give him “enthusiasm and hope for a better future”.

"Your thoughts and frankness are always helpful, and it is important for me to hear from you, especially since you are the majority of society and the builders of the future. No one has the right to patronise you," King Abdullah said.

The King underlined Jordan's need for an active political life, urging political parties to meet the aspirations of Jordanians by adopting relevant programmes that address the economy, education and health care, along with other issues that affect citizens.

“We are going to proceed with sustainable reform that serves Jordanians' present and future interests,” King Abdullah said, stressing that the process is “irreversible”.

He also emphasised his support for a free press that works “responsibly and professionally”.

During the meeting, attended by Royal Court Chief Khaled Karaki, the King's Media Adviser Amjad Adaileh and Royal Court Adviser Amer Hadidi, the King underscored the importance of narrowing the gap between young people's needs and the plans of the government, parties and civil society institutions.

“We are meeting today to listen to your suggestions to try to fill this gap. I am aware of the concerns and challenges that are facing you, especially unemployment,” the King said.

The King acknowledged recent calls for early parliamentary elections, and expressed the view that it was important to first adopt a modern elections law that represents all Jordanians and to develop political life through a political parties law that encourages pluralism and citizens' civic engagement.

Attendees said they were seeking an appropriate environment to overcome challenges and actively participate in reform efforts. Reform starts with ensuring a sound educational environment at universities, they said.

They also emphasised the importance of drafting a modern elections law, which, they said, would help ensure greater youth participation in parliamentary elections. A lack of programmes to stimulate youth involvement in national reform and concerns about poverty and unemployment were also expressed.

The meeting, the second with young Jordanians within weeks, was part of a series of meetings the King is holding with representatives of the Jordanian community to discuss the next steps towards achieving the envisaged reform.