Parliament on Wednesday presented its responses to the Speech from the Throne, delivered by His Majesty King Abdullah on 12 November to inaugurate the 18th Parliament’s second ordinary session.

The Senate’s response, delivered by Senate President Faisal Fayez at Raghadan Palace, affirmed the importance of King Abdullah’s vision on the need for Jordan to resolve its problems on its own by seeking realistic solutions that harness Jordanians’ potential and energies.

The Senate highlighted Jordanians’ resilience and their ability to transform challenges into opportunities, in order to build and advance their country.

In its response, the Senate affirmed commitment to undertaking its constitutional duties, praising the efforts of the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army and security agencies in safeguarding the Kingdom’s security.

The Senate praised His Majesty’s role in defending Arab and Islamic causes, particularly the Palestinian cause, stressing the importance of the Hashemite Custodianship of Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem as a historical and religious commitment that will not be relinquished.

The House of Representatives’ response, delivered by Speaker Atef Tarawneh, highlighted the Speech from the Throne’s importance in outlining national priorities based on self-reliance.

The principle of self-reliance safeguards the nation amidst rapid developments and shifting alliances in the region, the House said, affirming support for and commitment to gradual, comprehensive reform.

In its response, the House also affirmed its commitment to cooperating with the executive authority and monitoring the government’s performance to ensure the implementation of the Jordan Economic Growth Plan and the National Strategy for Human Resources Development.

The House will work towards protecting the middle class and lower income families, according to the response, which also highlighted the importance of the House’s legislative role in endorsing economic reform laws.

A number of royal family members and senior officials attended the two speeches.