He also cited the endorsement of a new version of the Public Gatherings Law, which sanctions rallies without prior permission from governors, the government’s procedures to establish a teachers association and a study to restructure the salaries of public sector employees.

Bakhit stressed Jordan’s “seriousness” in combating corruption and holding accountable those responsible, pointing out that several suspected cases were referred to the Anti-Corruption Commission and a higher advisory committee was formed to investigate corruption cases to achieve the highest levels of integrity and transparency.

Commending Europe’s support for Jordan, the prime minister underscored the significance of this support in backing the Kingdom’s efforts to achieve reform, according to Petra.

He called on the EU to play a greater role in efforts to resolve the regional conflict and back international endeavours to move the peace process forward in order to arrive at the establishment of an independent and viable Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital in accordance with international resolutions.

Discussions also covered the latest developments witnessed in several Arab countries and the need to achieve security and stability in the region.

Also yesterday, Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Judeh met with the delegation and discussed bilateral ties and the latest developments in the Middle East.

He highlighted His Majesty King Abdullah’s efforts to enhance the comprehensive reform process at the economic, political and social levels through the implementation of initiatives which ensure a better life for Jordanians.

On Wednesday, King Abdullah met with the EP delegation and discussed the latest regional developments and means to enhance cooperation between Jordan and the EU.

Later on Thursday, the head of the delegation described Jordan as an oasis of stability and security in a region witnessing political disturbances and youth revolutions calling for reform.

At a press conference yesterday, Mario David, chairperson of the “Delegation for Relations with the Mashreq Countries”, said the EU is pleased with the reform process in the Kingdom, which he said reflects the wisdom of the leadership.

“Unlike what is happening in the neighbouring countries, Jordan’s decision to take steps towards political reform was announced by King Abdullah during his visit to the EU in December last year, and was not a reaction as is the case in other Arab states witnessing revolutions,” he said.

David added that the EU admires Jordanian efforts aimed at enhancing citizens’ living conditions and engaging them in the decision-making process.

David noted that all Arab revolutions were due to difficult economic conditions as protesters were calling for better living conditions and boosting public freedoms, adding that the EU will take the economic aspect into consideration in its financial assistance.

He expressed the EU’s condemnation of the violent reaction to the peaceful protests in different Arab countries, particularly in Syria and Yemen, urging the UN to take action in order to end the violence against innocent citizens.

The EU parliamentarian said the delegation discussed the stumbling peace process with Jordanian officials and both sides agreed on the importance of relaunching direct negotiations between the Palestinians and the Israelis on the basis of a two state solution.

“We welcome the Palestinian reconciliation and the agreement reached between Fateh and Hamas and we hope that it will encourage other parties involved in the peace process, particularly Israel, to take tangible steps towards resumption of direct talks,” David said.

He stressed that the 27 EU member states are supporting the Palestinian initiative to set the foundation of a state, adding that the EU will immediately recognise a declared Palestinian state in September if a peace agreement is not achieved by then.

David added that the EP regrets the inactive role played by the EU and the Quartet in the peace process.

“As much as we regret the frustrating role of the EU and the Quartet, we believe that the Arab League is also not being active in the peace process,” David said, adding that he has prepared a report on the peace process in which he recommended including the Arab League in the Quartet in order to unify all efforts.