His Majesty King Abdullah on Monday said water and electricity prices will not be raised in order to minimise citizens' economic burdens.

The King made the remarks during an iftar banquet hosted by the Jordan Press Association (JPA) at the King Hussein Convention Centre at the Dead Sea.

Last week, the King instructed the government to immediately draw up a comprehensive plan to curb surging prices.

At today's iftar, the King told JPA President Abdul Wahab Zgheilat, editor-in-chief of Al Rai newspaper, and other chief editors, that improving the living conditions of Jordanian citizens and empowering them to overcome economic hardships top his priorities.

He highlighted national projects currently under way to foster economic development and improve living standards.

King Abdullah also stressed the importance of the role of the media in conveying accurate information and addressing issues of concern to citizens in an independent and professional manner.

In addition, he referred to efforts to launch serious and effective negotiations to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict on the basis of a two-state solution.

The King reiterated that Jordan will continue to exert all possible efforts to ensure Palestinians' rights, particularly their right to establish an independent state on their national soil, noting that a Palestinian state is a prerequisite for achieving peace and stability in the region.

Highlighting Jordan's efforts to protect Jerusalem and its inhabitants, the King reiterated Jordan's rejection of all unilateral Israeli measures that seek to distort the identity of the holy city and displace its residents.

Following the iftar, the King honoured the winners of the King Hussein Award for Excellence in Journalism.

Al Ghad's Samih Maaytah received the award for best opinion piece, Al Arab Al Yawm's Fayeq Hijazin for best investigative report, Al Rai's Ahmad Nsour for best news story, Ad Dustour's Khalil Mazraawi for best photo and Jordan Television's Mohammad Washah for best televised report.

The King also honoured veteran journalists who have been working in the field for more than 25 years. These included Samih Haddad, Shihadeh Abu Baqr, Salah Shboul, Abdul Majeed Abu Khaled, Fouad Zu'bi, Hassan Hammad, Mohammad Zghoul, Samir Hiyari and Mohammad Malkawi.