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Ammon News - NEW YORK (Petra) His Majesty King Abdullah II, speaking in New York on Monday, stressed that Jordan has adopted a gradual approach to reform, building on what has been achieved and moving forward to reach an advanced state of reforming Jordan’s political, economic and social life.

The King made his remarks as he met here in New York with a group of US political, media, intellectual and academic figures on the sidelines of his participation in the 68th session of the United Nations General Assembly. The King reiterated that the reform process in Jordan is based upon major achievements, some of which have been completed while others are ongoing. He also stressed that Jordan is distinguished by its citizens, who set an example in giving to and building the homeland.

The Monarch added that Middle East challenges should not be an excuse for a slower reform process, which Jordan adopted as a way of life in building its future.

The Arab Spring, King Abdullah said, serves as a catalyst for faster reform and an opportunity that should be enthusiastically seized to fulfill the ambitions and aspirations of the peoples in the region.

"Jordan was a model in its ability to turn challenges into opportunities and invest limited resources to boost its national achievements for the better of its people," the King said.

Regarding the Middle East, the King said the situation in Syria will have future repercussions on the region, urging the Arab countries and international community to exert efforts to end the suffering of the Syrian people and help them overcome the disastrous impacts of the spiraling crisis.

Jordan, he added, will continue to provide humanitarian aid and relief for the Syrian refugees. The world, however, must support the Kingdom to help it continue providing services for the refugees, he noted.

Addressing the Middle East peace process, the King said that Jordan backs a just, comprehensive and lasting peace that meets the aspirations of the Palestinian people for independent statehood on its national soil, based on the 1967 borders and with East Jerusalem as its capital.

"A Palestinian state is a top Jordanian interest," the King told the US figures. Meanwhile, he urged Israel to realize that peace is the only guarantor of its security and stability, as well as for achieving coexistence in the region.

On Egypt, the King said that Jordan would always support the choices of the Egyptian people, stressing the Kingdom's sincerity in assuring the continuing security and stability of the African nation, while helping Egypt restore its regional role at various levels.

The meeting in New York was attended by HRH Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah and a number of Jordanian officials.