His Majesty King Abdullah and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Sunday held talks on efforts to bring new momentum to the Middle East peace process amid accelerating regional developments.

During a meeting attended by HRH Crown Prince Hussein, King Abdullah reiterated that Jordan stands by the Palestinian people in their endeavours to fulfil their legitimate rights, especially the establishment of an independent state on their Palestinian national soil, on the basis of the two-state solution and in accordance with international resolutions.

Talks addressed regional issues, with focus on the outcome of the recent visit by US President Barack Obama to the region.

The King and Abbas discussed steps that should be taken to confront Israeli policies that hinder progress in the peace process and efforts leading to the establishment of an independent and viable Palestinian state within the 1967 borders and with Jerusalem as its capital.

In statements to the press following the meeting, Abbas said the talks “addressed various issues, including the visit of US President Barack Obama to Jordan, Palestine and Israel and the outcome of the visit.”

He added that the two sides also coordinated positions on issues of concern ahead of an expected visit by His Majesty to the US.

Talks also addressed issues related to Al Aqsa Mosque and its defence, he said, referring to a deal Jordan and Palestine signed on the same day to coordinate efforts to counter Israeli policies aimed at changing the identity of Jerusalem.