His Majesty King Abdullah on Saturday urged tangible and effective steps to re-launch Palestinian-Israeli negotiations towards a solution to end the conflict between them.

The solution, the King said, should be based on the two-state formula, international resolutions and the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative.

During a meeting with Senator George Mitchell, the US special envoy to the Middle East, the King called for immediate steps that would achieve concrete results on the way to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, saying that it is the core conflict in the region and that ending it is key to regional peace and stability.

King Abdullah asserted that there is no alternative to the two-state solution, and urged all those involved to support and work relentlessly to achieve this outcome.

The King also underscored the significance of the US' role in efforts to achieve comprehensive Middle East peace.

He also emphasised the need to rebuild the Gaza Strip and ensure the entry of humanitarian and medical assistance into the enclave.

Palestinian national accord is also a prerequisite for achieving the Palestinians' legitimate rights, foremost of which is an independent state, King Abdullah told the US envoy.

In this regard, the King commended Egypt's efforts to help realise Palestinian reconciliation and sustain the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, saying Jordan fully backs these endeavours.

Mitchell said he was looking forward to working closely with King Abdullah on advancing regional peace.

"I appreciate very much His Majesty's insights and look forward to working closely with him as we strive to bring about a comprehensive peace, including an independent state of Palestine living in peace and security alongside Israel, in order to secure a more a stable and prosperous future for all of the people in the region," Mitchell said following the meeting.

Mitchell's tour, the second since US President Barack Obama appointed him as Mideast envoy days after the presidential inauguration in January. Mitchell's working tour has taken him to Turkey, Israel and the Palestinian territories.