King Abdullah of Jordan meets US congressional delegation

King Abdullah II of Jordan on Thursday reviewed with a US congressional delegation steps and measures that have been taken by Jordan to bring about comprehensive reforms in all fields to achieve a better future for all Jordanians. The King said that these steps reflect keenness to press ahead with the political reform process which should be in line and in pace with economic reforms that address challenges and problems facing us, mainly poverty and unemployment. King Abdullah voiced hope that Jordan will have in the future effective political parties with clear programs that deal with all problems facing the Kingdom and represent all segments of the society without entrenchment based on sectarian or regional considerations. He also highlighted mega projects that will be implemented by the Kingdom in the water, energy and water fields. Talks during the meeting also dealt with the latest developments in the Middle East. The King stressed the need to intensify peace efforts and arrive at a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict leading to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders. King Abdullah II urged the United States to assist the Palestinians and Israelis to resume peace negotiations which he said should address all final status issues on the basis of the two-state solution. He also urged the Israelis to take serious steps towards peace. The King valued the US Congress''s support to the Kingdom''s development programs in all fields and thanked the Congress for its efforts to strengthen cooperation with the Jordanian and Arab parliaments. For their part, members of the US congress voiced appreciation of King Abdullah''s efforts and his support to the reform process. They also valued Jordan''s role to bring about peace and stability in the region. The US delegation comprised David Dreier, David Price, Keith Ellison, Gwen Moore and Jim Mcdermott.