Ammon News - AMMONNEWS - His Majesty King Abdullah II, on Sunday, said parliamentary blocs should devise clear programs and comprehensive vision that address the nation's issues and concerns. The King stressed the importance of the parliamentary blocs in uplifting the house's overall performance and called for institutionalizing their work and efforts in order to better serve the country.

During a meeting with members of the Lower House "Parliamentary Initiative" bloc, His Majesty underlined the importance of the parliament's code of conduct and stressed the need to tackle hindrances, namely lack of quorum, that delay the issuance of priority legislation.

The King spoke about key priorities in the national reform drive, mainly the decentralization and political parties legislation which would enhance political and partisan life and expand grassroots participation in the decision-making process.

Despite regional turmoil, King Abdullah said, Jordan has always surmounted challenges and pressed ahead with carrying its plans to bring about political and socioeconomic reform. Alleviating the repercussions of the tough economic conditions on citizens' lives must remain the ultimate priority of both the government and the parliament, His Majesty told the lawmakers. He called for exerting additional efforts to promote the Kingdom as a destination for major foreign investments, especially as the kingdom prepares to host the high-profile world economic forum in May.

The King voiced pride and confidence in the army and security agencies in defending the nation and protecting it against threats that could arise from the turmoil in neighboring countries. He said he is assured over the situation on the Kingdom's borders with Syria and Iraq.

Speaking on regional issues, the King told the legislators that Jordan's participation in the pan-Arab coalition in Yemen came in response to an official request by the constitutional legitimacy in the unrest-hit Arab nation.

He said there is no alternative to the political solution in Yemen in order to preserve its unity and territorial integrity.

With regards to the developments in Iraq, King Abdullah renewed Jordan's support to the Iraqi government in its efforts to fight terrorism and terrorist gangs.

On Syria, he reiterated the Kingdom's call for finding a comprehensive solution to the raging crisis to put an end to the suffering of the Syrian people.

The King stressed that the two-state solution remains the only solution to the Palestinian issue and urged the international community to make a concerted action to revive peace talks between the Palestinians and Israelis.