Senate President Faisal Fayez Tuesday welcomed a delegation of US Congressional aides to discuss Jordanian-US ties, Jordan's reforms and Israel's aggression on the Palestinian people in the occupied Gaza Strip and the West Bank. Fayez noted the deep relations with the US and Jordan's keen interest in cementing and building on them, and enhancing bilateral economic and investment partnerships. He appreciated US support of Jordan to counter economic challenges imposed by the current turmoil in the region and the Kingdom's hosting of about 1.3 million Syrian refugees. The head of the Senate spoke about Jordan's political, economic and administrative reforms that aim to reach parliamentary governments, promote grassroots participation, empower women and youth, create an attractive investment environment, revamp public administration, safeguard human rights, protect freedoms, ensure an independent judiciary and the rule of law, and boost the integrity and transparency system. The meeting also dealt with the cu rrent situation in the region and the need to restore regional security and stability and end the cycle of violence and conflicts. Fayez urged the international community, notably the United States, to act promptly to end the Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people and obligate Israel to implement International Criminal Court and UN Security Council orders to stop the war on Gaza, allow the entry of humanitarian and medical aid to the strip, stop war crimes and the policy of siege and systematic starvation. He said His Majesty King Abdullah II is making tremendous efforts to push for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, protect civilians, and curb Israeli escalation to avoid an expansion of the conflict in the region. The Senate president reiterated Jordan's rejection of Israeli attempt to forcibly displace Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, calling it a declaration of war, and said Jordan will steadfastly defend its sovereignty. Source: Jordan News Agency