His Majesty King Abdullah on Sunday, November 13, inaugurated the second ordinary session of the 19th Parliament and delivered the Speech from the Throne.

In the speech, attended by Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein Ibn Abdullah II, King Abdullah said, "State institutions must redefine national achievement so that its outcomes are tangible for citizens. We will not accept regression or hesitation in accomplishing these objectives."

His Majesty addressed senators and representatives saying Jordan has made considerable progress in setting the sturdy foundations for modernizing the state and enhancing its resilience.


He said, "Comprehensive modernization, with its political, economic, and administrative tracks, is a major national undertaking. All national objectives must revolve around it, and efforts and resources must be dedicated to its realization. For their part, state institutions must redefine national achievement, so that its outcomes are tangible for citizens. We will not accept regression or hesitation in accomplishing these objectives."

Stressing that "the political modernization track aims to ensure broader popular participation in policy- and decision-making through platform-based political parties; whereas the economic modernization track seeks to improve the standard of living for citizens and provide job and investment opportunities based on strategic efforts, to revitalize all productive sectors and enable economic recovery," he added," These two tracks remain incomplete without competent public administration that provides optimum services for citizens and harnesses modern technology to expedite processes and increase productivity. We want for this modernization to serve our development goals, empower youth and women, and contribute to finding new leadership that revitalizes state institutions and actively contributes to the House of Representatives and future governments."

He continued, "This nation was not built by pessimists or skeptics. It grew and progressed with the efforts of its sons and daughters who believed in it. It is thanks to these efforts that this nation marches towards the future confidently and steadfastly. Our beloved Jordan will continue to write new chapters in its story of progress; for nations are not built on fear and doubt, and the future has no place for those who are frustrated and desperate. This nation, which was founded on the principles of justice and national dignity, continues its journey of modernization under the rule of law, which applies to all and serves all.
The executive and legislative branches must cooperate, in accordance with the flexible separation of powers set by the Constitution, to achieve the desired objectives and to assess the progress of comprehensive modernization efforts, in order to overcome any barriers and hurdles that may appear upon implementation, thus ensuring we stay the course."

Noting that Jordan continues to play its pivotal regional role, keeping abreast of rapid changes in the region and around the world, and investing in its unique geopolitical location as a vital link between countries, the King said," This key role that Jordan plays also remains focused on defending the Palestinian cause, which we have always supported and continue to support. It is our highest priority, and it can only be resolved by reaching a just and comprehensive solution that begins with ending the Israeli occupation and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the 4 June 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital. In keeping with the historical responsibility that we faithfully undertake, we will continue to safeguard Jerusalem’s Islamic and Christian holy sites, under the Hashemite Custodianship."

Referring to the absence of a horizon for a political solution, he continued that this "must not prevent us from supporting our Palestinian brothers and sisters economically, bolstering their steadfastness on their land, and helping them uphold their legitimate rights. As their closest neighbors, we will work to ensure they are key partners in regional projects, and we will not accept their marginalization, reaffirming, at the same time, that economic empowerment cannot replace a political solution."