King listens to Parliament’s response to Speech from the Throne

- Heads of two Houses reiterate Parliament's commitment to implementing His Majesty’s vision as stated in Speech from the Throne
- Senate president reiterates support for King's directives to enhance role of political parties, participation of women, youth
- Lower House speaker says Chamber will implement parliamentary practices that ensure competition is based on platforms, ideas
- Fayez and Safadi highlight King's efforts in supporting Palestinians, underline importance of Hashemite Custodianship of Jerusalem's Muslim, Christian holy sites

AMMAN — Parliament on Monday presented its response to the Speech from the Throne, which was delivered by His Majesty King Abdullah on 18 November to inaugurate the 20th Parliament’s first ordinary session.

With HRH Crown Prince Hussein in attendance, the Senate’s response, delivered by Senate President Faisal Fayez at Raghadan Palace, reiterated support for His Majesty’s royal directives to enhance the role of political parties and the participation of women and youth, according to a Royal Court statement. 

Fayez affirmed the importance of implementing the Economic Modernisation Vision in providing a decent life for Jordanians and stimulating the growth of the national economy, while at the same time accelerating the modernisation of the public sector and building on Jordan's political and diplomatic stature and its relations with countries around the world.

He commended the King’s assertion that Jordan's future will not be subject to policies that do not meet its interests or those that deviate from its principles. 

Fayez reiterated the Senate's support for Jordan's efforts to stand firmly in the face of the aggression on Gaza and the Israeli violations in the West Bank, and to provide aid by air and land to the Strip, the statement said. 

He added that the Senate is keen to build positive relations with the government and the House of Representatives, which marks the beginning of the implementation of the political modernisation project.

In the House of Representatives’ response, House Speaker Ahmad Safadi affirmed that the people, army and security agencies stand united behind His Majesty in protecting Jordan and safeguarding its achievements, according to the statement. 

Safadi said Jordan is advancing towards a comprehensive modernisation across the political, economic, and administrative tracks.

He stressed Parliament's commitment to implementing His Majesty’s vision as stated in the Speech from the Throne, by closely cooperating with the government in accordance with the Constitution, as well as providing oversight to ensure the implementation of the modernisation process.

Safadi said the House will implement parliamentary practices that ensure competition is based on platforms and ideas, is rooted in integrity, and clearly reflects the State’s interests and priorities.

Describing the King’s steadfast position towards the Palestinian cause, Speaker Safadi noted the importance of the Hashemite Custodianship of Muslim and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, the statement said. 

He highlighted His Majesty's efforts in supporting Palestinians and providing humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.

The Senate president and the House speaker both expressed pride in the army and security agencies for their efforts in defending Jordan and its stability.

A number of Royal Family members, the prime minister and the Judicial Council president, as well as senior officials attended Parliament’s response to the Speech from the Throne.