Senate holds first non-ordinary session

AMMAN — The Senate on Thursday held its first meeting of the first non-ordinary session that His Majesty King Abdullah inaugurated earlier in the day with the Speech from the Throne.

Senate President Faisal Fayez, on behalf of the Upper Chamber, expressed gratitude for His Majesty's inauguration of the non-ordinary session session of the 19th Parliament, stressing that the speech will be a "guide" in the Senate's endeavours to conduct its constitutional and national duties, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

During the meeting, Fayez added that King Abdullah's inauguration of the session reflects the Royal persistence and confirmation to move forward in enhancing the democratic and parliamentary process with a "will that knows no despair and that is full of determination" despite the exceptional circumstances imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the difficult regional conditions.

The Senate president also stressed the Upper Chamber's keenness to engage in full cooperation with the Lower House and the government to instil the principle of true partnership as stipulated in the Constitution to serve higher national interests in a bid to achieve His Majesty's vision and the people's aspirations in building a strong and prosperous Jordan.

The Senate elected members of the committee to be tasked with preparing a reply to the Speech from the Throne, including senators Samir Rifai, Haifa Najjar, Sakher Doudin, Jamal Sarayrah and Talal Shurofat.

Senators also chose Rifai as first deputy president and Rajai Muasher as second deputy president and Wajih Azaizeh and Alia Bouran as assistants to the president.