His Majesty King Abdullah II today received a telephone call from US President George W. Bush who is on a regional tour.

President Bush briefed His Majesty on his recent talks with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas as part of US efforts to advance the peace process.

The King stressed the importance of sustaining the present American and international momentum to advance peace, and the need for the Palestinian-Israeli negotiations to proceed within clear mechanisms and timeframe that would lead to the establishment of an independent state on Palestinian land.

King Abdullah commended President Bush's stated commitment to end the Israeli occupation of Palestinian land and his efforts to achieve a comprehensive peace settlement before the end of the year that addresses core issues between both sides including final status issues.

His Majesty emphasized the importance of achieving real and tangible progress during the weeks and months ahead. Progress, he added, should involve both sides honoring their agreements in accordance with relevant international resolutions and the two-state solution that has the support of the Arabs and the international community.

The King said it was crucial for the international community to support the Palestinian National Authority in its efforts to strengthen Palestinian institutions and to alleviate the difficult conditions facing the Palestinian people.

King Abdullah urged building on the Arab Peace Initiative to achieve comprehensive peace, noting that the initiative reflects the Arab will to live in peace and security with Israel.

President Bush reviewed with His Majesty the outcome of his talks with the Palestinian and Israeli leaders and stressed the US Administration's commitment to end the Palestinian-Israeli conflict on the basis of the two-state solution.

The US president also hailed His Majesty's continuous efforts with all parties concerned with the peace process. He commended Jordan's major role in support of international peace efforts that resulted in the convening of the Annapolis peace meeting in November, and the ensuing international momentum to encourage negotiations between the Palestinians and Israel.