Ammon News - AMMONNEWS - The Senate held the first session of the 18th Parliament's first ordinary session, which was opened by His Majesty King Abdullah II with a speech from the Throne.

During the session, which was chaired by Senate President Faisal Al Fayez and attended by Prime Minister Hani Mulki, Al Fayez voiced thanks and appreciation for His Majesty for opening the Parliament's ordinary session, adding that the Speech from the Throne will be a guideline for the Senate to carry out its constitutional duties.

"This royal approach reflects the King's pride in the national role of the legislative authority, he said, adding that it is also affirms the political will of the King to enhance our parliamentary and legislative life.

Al Fayez voiced the Senate's keenness to continue cooperation and coordination with the Lower House of Parliament and the government, to enhance the principle of true partnership in order the serve the higher interest of the country.

Prime Minister Hani Mulki congratulated president and members of the Senate on the royal confidence, stressing that the government will fully cooperate with the Senate to implement of His Majesty's vision.

Following the meeting, the new senators took the oath as per the Constitution and the Senate's by-laws and formed the committee that will reply to the Speech from the Throne. The committee comprises Marouf Al Bakhit, Rajai Muasher, Kamal Nasser, Haidar Mahmoud and Mazen Al Saket.

The Senate also elected members of its permanent office that included Marouf Al Bakhit as first deputy president, Samir Rifai as second deputy president
and Munir Soubar and Yassirah Ghousheh as assistants to the Senate president.

Earlier, Senate Secretary General Khaled Lawzi read at the beginning of the session the Royal Decrees on postponing the Parliament's ordinary session
and on summoning Parliament to meet in an ordinary session.

Other Royal Decrees were also read on dissolving the current Senate, appointing its new members and naming the Senate's new president and members.