His Majesty King Abdullah on Monday said he is optimistic about the future of Jordan, despite the challenges that might arise at every turn on the path to reform and modernisation. “The challenges ahead are numerous, but so are the opportunities and I am optimistic about the future as long as we all work as one team,” His Majesty said at a meeting with prominent Circassian figures as well as representatives of the Circassian women’s sector. The meeting came as part of a series of discussions the Monarch has been holding with all segments of society. The King highlighted changes made to the Elections Law meant to maximise public participation in decision making. He said the coming stage is crucial in the history of Jordan. “I want it to be the stage of implementation and achievement,” the King was quoted as saying by a Royal Court statement. The Monarch called on all stakeholders to participate genuinely and effectively in the process of development and modernisation Jordan is undergoing “to realise comprehensive political, economic and social reforms that serve the Kingdom’s present and future, meet the aspirations of citizens and safeguard their rights”. The King also underlined the need for effective political parties with specific and clear programmes that are capable of addressing the country’s woes. King Abdullah listened to appeals by Circassian leaders regarding their community and instructed officials to look into them. The King stressed the significance of drawing up a clear vision on workable development projects. Also yesterday, King Abdullah pointed out that the reform process is moving in the right direction, particularly on the economic and political tracks. At a meeting with a delegation of US congressional aides, King Abdullah highlighted the outcomes of the National Dialogue Committee, which suggested historic changes to the political parties and elections laws to ensure fair representation of all Jordanians and enhance people’s participation in the decision-making process. The Monarch voiced hope that political parties representing the left, the right and centrists would be represented in Parliament where they perform on the basis of specific and practical programmes and plans, another Royal Court statement said. The King underlined the need for these plans to address challenges and issues of concern to citizens, especially the young people. “We are working to improve youths’ involvement in public life and create jobs for them,” he said. Discussions during the meeting, attended by Royal Court Chief Khaled Karaki and King’s Media Adviser Amjad Adaileh, also covered the latest developments in the region, particularly the political transformations taking place in the Arab world. King Abdullah reviewed the circumstances surrounding the Middle East peace process, stressing the need for the international community to push the peace process forward to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict on the basis of the two-state solution that leads to an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders. The King indicated that the changes taking place in the region should be a motivation for all stakeholders to support peace efforts. He underlined the significant role the US plays in helping Palestinians and Israelis return to the negotiating table and address all final status issues in a way that meets the aspirations of Palestinians for liberty, freedom and independence.