King Abdullah II of Jordan (right)

Amman, (IANS) : King Abdullah II of Jordan said on Monday that Jordan will continue to defend Arab and Muslim causes, reported the state-run Petra news agency.

“We will continue to uphold our historical duty in safeguarding Muslim and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem,” Xinhua news agency quoted King Abdullah as saying at the opening of the 18th Parliament’s First Ordinary Session.

The King said that in recent years “we succeeded in protecting our society and national unity against the threats of evil forces, the khawarej (outlaws of Islam) and terrorism”, yet Jordan continues to face challenges and regional repercussions.

The King said Jordan is determined to advance its economy through policies and programmes which target sustainable growth, serve national interests first and foremost, increase participation via the Decentralisation Law, develop the judiciary and strengthen the rule of law.

He also said that Jordan will proceed with comprehensive reforms in response both to ongoing developments and the urgent need for progress and modernisation in order to provide citizens with a prosperous future.