His Majesty King Abdullah on Sunday thanked the House of Representatives for its major efforts during the extraordinary session, with the endorsement of a package of laws to develop the judiciary, at the recommendation of the Royal Committee for Developing the Judiciary and Enhancing the Rule of Law.

During a meeting at Al Husseiniya Palace with Speaker of the House of Representatives Atef Tarawneh, members of the House’s permanent office and heads of committees, King Abdullah stressed the importance of coordination between the House and the government in the best interest of citizens.

His Majesty noted that Parliament’s performance during the current session was up to expectations, stressing that enhancing the performance of committees will develop the House’s legislative and monitoring role.

There are some challenges ahead, the King told the lawmakers, singling out economic challenges. 

But Jordan is on the right track, His Majesty noted.

Problems are not always resolved as soon as is desired, but all must focus on how to move forward, the King said.

His Majesty stressed the importance of cooperation between the House of Representatives and the government to endorse key laws without delay, in order to overcome local and regional challenges.

The King commended the team spirit and active coordination among various institutions and agencies.

Also during the meeting, His Majesty stressed the importance of the upcoming municipal and governorate council elections, which will help set development priorities for all the Kingdom’s regions.

The King also touched on the main challenges facing Jordan in connection with the Palestinian issue and Jerusalem.

There will be no breakthrough in the peace process without a US commitment to support efforts to resolve the Palestinian issue, His Majesty affirmed.

If it had not been for the Hashemite Custodianship and the perseverance of Jerusalemites, holy sites in the city would have been lost years ago, the King said.

His Majesty added that success requires a united Jordanian-Palestinian position to ensure that the cause remains strong and that the rights of Jordanians and Palestinians are protected.

The future of the Palestinian issue is on the line, the King warned, noting that reaching a solution is becoming increasingly difficult.

His Majesty called for intensifying efforts and working closely with the US administration to make the necessary headway during the upcoming stage.

Discussions at the meeting also covered the assault on a Public Security Directorate patrol unit in Maan on Saturday.

The King stressed the importance of committing to the rule of law and ensuring that it applies to all, asserting that security agencies are a red line.

All must consider Jordan as one tribe, His Majesty noted, describing Jordan as his tribe.

For his part, Speaker Tarawneh stressed the House’s commitment to its legislative and oversight role, expressing appreciation for the King’s keenness to reach out to lawmakers.

Tarawneh said the House fully appreciates His Majesty’s positions and his efforts to safeguard Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, as well as his work to reopen Al Aqsa Mosque/Al Haram Al Sharif in its entirety.

Also at the meeting, the permanent office members and the chairs of House committees affirmed the importance of the partnership between the House of Representatives and the government to take on economic challenges.

They also highlighted House-government cooperation in endorsing vital laws related to the judiciary to consolidate a successful judicial system in line with international standards.

The lawmakers expressed their appreciation for the King’s key efforts in defending the Palestinian issue and Al Aqsa Mosque/Al Haram Al Sharif.

They stressed the need to safeguard Jordan’s achievements, expressing their pride in the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army and security agencies.

The deputies also highlighted the importance of the municipal and governorate council elections, describing the polls as a qualitative leap in the reform process, due to their importance in comprehensive development.

The chairs of committees outlined legislative achievements in the legal, economic, administrative, educational, cultural, and agricultural fields, in addition to the sectors of youth, women, labour, healthcare, energy, transport, and tourism.

Royal Hashemite Court Chief Fayez Tarawneh and Director of the Office of His Majesty Jafar Hassan attended the meeting.