His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday called for defining the National Agenda's priorities and accelerating the implementation of its plans of political and socio-economic reform.



King Abdullah made his remarks as he received the National Agenda and a report on new administrative divisions.



The King told members of the Steering Committee for the National Agenda and the Royal Committee on Regions that the optimum goals of both blueprints are to “fulfill the aspirations of Jordanians, entrench democratisation and achieve reform, modernization, transparency, justice as well as equality.”



Thanking members of the two panels, His Majesty the King said all should actively work as one team to help enhance the Kingdom's comprehensive development.



The 26-member Steering Committee for the National Agenda was formed in February by King Abdullah to draw the guidelines for policy-making in the coming 10 years. The panel members were assisted by subcommittees comprising 200 public and private sectors and academia experts on political development, legislation and justice, infrastructure, investment, financial reform, labour and vocational training, education and higher education, and social welfare.



Deputy Prime Minister Marwan Muahser, who heads the steering committee, said the agenda aims to ensure the rule of law, justice and equality, basic freedoms, human rights, intellectual and political pluralism, a knowledge-based society and social welfare.



For his part, Senate President Zeid Rifai, who heads the Royal Committee on Regions, said the panel's report seeks more involvement of Jordanians all over the Kingdom in the decision-making process related to the development of their areas.



One of the aims, he noted, is to help allow citizens in various regions to elect their own councils and enhance public participation in decision-making.

The Jordan Times