His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday voiced disappointment that Middle East peace efforts are not realising progress, saying "we cannot stop” and that all countries must work together to ensure the launch of serious and direct talks between Palestinians and Israelis.

Negotiations should lead to a two-state solution within a comprehensive regional peace, King Abdullah said in remarks to the press after his meeting with Italian President Giorgio Napolitano in Rome.

The King warned that the alternative to such a solution would be more war and suffering.

In their talks, the two leaders looked into efforts to launch peace negotiations to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

The two leaders also expressed their keenness to cement bilateral ties, especially economic ties, saying there is much room for increased cooperation.

The King's talks with Napolitano were preceded by a meeting grouping the King, President Napolitano, Her Majesty Queen Rania, Their Royal Highnesses Princess Zein and Princess Aysha and Napolitano's spouse, Clio.

At the press conference, King Abdullah said the talks focused on the Palestinian issue, which he said is a priority in the Middle East, and on efforts to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

The King reiterated that the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative represents an Arab consensus to achieve peace, noting that the international community, especially the US and the EU, have made peace in the Middle East a top priority.

He said Israel should choose whether it wants to integrate into the region or to remain a fortress and stressed that Israeli settlement activities should be frozen and all unilateral Israeli measures, especially in Jerusalem, should be stopped. He added that Jordan has a special responsibility to Islamic and Christian holy sites, and will continue to protect them.

The King said Italy is respected in Europe and the Middle East and thus it can play a major role in efforts to achieve peace and stability.

The described his talks with the Italian president as constructive, saying that they covered means to foster bilateral ties and other issues of mutual concern.

He said he looked forward talks scheduled with Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi and several Italian officials on means to develop bilateral ties, which he labelled as “strong and historic”.

The King highlighted the role of the private sector in activating economic cooperation, referring to the Jordanian-Italian Business Forum in Milan on Thursday which is designed to promote bilateral economic cooperation. He also thanked Italy for its support of Jordan's sustainable development.

Napolitano, who highlighted King Abdullah's role in preserving Jordanian and Arab interests in the world, said Jordan has always played an effective role in the peace process and in enhancing ties between the countries of the East and the West.

The Italian leader also voiced appreciation for the King's role in sustaining dialogue between religions and his commitment to preserving the Islamic and Christian sites in Jerusalem.

He said King Abdullah's talks with the Italian government will open new horizons of cooperation in the fields of energy, tourism, infrastructure and projects in which Italy can help advance the development process in Jordan.

Napolitano said it was unfortunate that the negotiations between the Palestinians and Israelis that started 16 years ago came to a halt after all these years, expressing hope that talks would resume soon, as both Palestinians and Israelis pay the price for the continuation of the conflict.

The Italian president added that the Mediterranean countries are also affected by the breakdown in peacemaking, because the conflict is a major obstacle to developing the economic potentials of these countries.

Napolitano expressed hope that progress will be made in the peace process, especially after the new positive US foreign policy in spite of all the difficulties.

There is a need for an American, European and Arab commitment to realising peace in the Middle East, the president said.

In their visit, Their Majesties are accompanied by a delegation of young Jordanians to have a first-hand experience in the King's efforts in enhancing ties with the different countries and bringing about peace in the region.

Napolitano and his wife held a dinner banquet in honour of their Majesties.