His Majesty King Abdullah on Sunday underscored the significance of the European Union's role in supporting security and stability in the Middle East in the coming months.

The King urged Europe to support efforts to bring about peace between the Palestinians and Israelis, and reiterated that negotiations should lead to a Palestinian state.

King Abdullah also stressed at a meeting with EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana the need to enhance ties between the Middle East and the EU.

The continuation of Israeli settlement activities in the Palestinian territories and attempts to change the features of Jerusalem undermine peace efforts, the King told Solana.

The King also said it was important to support the Palestinian Authority to enhance the living conditions of the Palestinians.

King Abdullah also voiced appreciation for EU's assistance to the Palestinians that supports institution-building.

Solana, who is on a tour of the region that includes Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the West Bank and Israel to support peace efforts, voiced appreciation for the King's efforts at the regional and international levels to realise peace and stability in the region.

At a press conference at the French embassy Sunday, Solana said: "The EU will continue to be involved and engaged in the peace process in the Middle East."

He added that it is important to make use of the present momentum as the meeting of the Quartet is imminent as are the UN General Assembly and the Arab League meetings.