His Majesty King Abdullah, the Supreme Commander of the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army, on Monday checked on progress of the new JAF General Command premises construction project.

King Abdullah was received by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Major General Yousef Hneiti and a number of senior officers.

His Majesty was briefed on the project’s progress and the organizational structure of JAF directorates that it will include, Petra news agency reported.

For his part, Major General Hneiti reaffirmed that JAF General Command will continue the process of development and modernization to enable JAF to fully carry out its duties.

In another development, His Majesty King Abdullah on Monday stressed that youth and women are a driving force in all tracks of the reform process.

During a meeting with women activists at Al Husseiniya Palace, King Abdullah noted the importance of promoting engagement with political parties.

His Majesty urged the effective contribution of women in political reform efforts, calling on them to forge ahead and not shy away from participation.

The King underscored the value of the active role and contribution of women to the success of political modernization in the upcoming phase, noting the importance of women’s voices in this process.

His Majesty said he has directed state institutions to step up work to bolster the role of women and empower them, removing obstacles to increasing women’s representation in the labor market and economic development.

Speaking at the meeting, the attendees highlighted the need to raise public awareness in relation to participation in political parties, especially at schools and universities, and the need to emphasize women’s active role in partisan and political life.

Attendees pointed out that modernization is a must to move forward, which will not be possible without women’s empowerment and active participation.

They also stressed the need to uphold the rule of law and develop the social system to increase women’s participation and promote their engagement in various fields.

Discussing the need to bolster women’s representation in decision-making positions, attendees praised the outcomes of the Royal Committee to Modernize the Political System related to women empowerment.

Royal Hashemite Court Chief Yousef Issawi and Director of the Office of His Majesty Jafar Hassan attended the meeting.