AMMAN — The Senate on Sunday, presided over by Senate President Faisal Fayez, approved the draft response to His Majesty King Abdullah’s Speech from the Throne, marking the inauguration of the 20th Parliament's first regular session.

 

In line with constitutional procedures, the Senate and the Lower House must submit their responses to the Royal Speech within two weeks of its delivery, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra. 

 

To draft the response, the Upper House formed a committee comprising Senators Samir Rifai, Rajai Muasher, Mohammad Dawudieh, Issa Murad, and Abla Amawi.

 

During the session, the Senate elected Samir Rifai as first deputy president, Abdullah Ensour as second deputy president, and Suhair Ali and Zuhair Abu Fares as assistants to the president.

 

In his Speech from the Throne, King Abdullah outlined the key priorities for the newly inaugurated Parliament. 

 

He urged lawmakers to establish work rules and parliamentary practices “where competition is based on platforms and ideas, is rooted in integrity, and clearly reflects the State’s interests and priorities.”

 

“Our aim is to provide a decent life and empower youths while equipping them for the jobs of the future,” His Majesty said. 

 

He also stressed the importance of implementing the Economic Modernisation Vision to “unleash the potential of the national economy and increase growth rates over the next decade.”.

 

The King also called for capitalising on Jordan’s human competencies and international relations as catalysts for growth. 

 

He noted the deep-rooted identity of the Jordanian state, which “does not risk its future, and preserves its Hashemite heritage and its Arab and humanitarian roots.”