His Majesty King Abdullah said the world faces a host of political, economic and cultural crises that require appropriate and effective action to overcome them.

The King was addressing a state dinner hosted in his honour and that of Her Majesty Queen Rania Al-Abdullah and the accompanying delegation by Portuguese President, Anibal Cavaco Silva, and his wife at the presidential palace in Lisbon Tuesday evening.

"Jordan and Portugal are partners in facing crises and challenges," he said.

King Abdullah said he was satisfied with growing ties, particularly an increase in the volume of trade through effective involvement by the Jordanian and Portuguese private sectors.

He noted that both countries had common values and interests as moderate states looking for cooperation with their neighbors.

King Abdullah expressed appreciation for Portugal's continued support of Jordan and reviewed prospects for future partnerships between the two countries.

He also voiced hope that his visit would help prompt new mechanisms for official cooperation and partnerships between the private sector of both countries, saying that new partnerships would help forge deeper ties between Europe and the Middle East.

King Abdullah also addressed the situation in the Middle East, reiterating that the Palestinian-Israeli conflict still posed a serious threat to global security.

He said the suffering of the Palestinian people remains tremendous, particularly in the Gaza Strip, and said it was vital that the world community continue to channel humanitarian aid to them.

The King said concerted efforts were needed to bring about a just and lasting settlement to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, saying that the two-state solution is the only realistic solution that enables Palestinians a secure future and real peace and security for Israelis through acceptance by their neighbors and the world.

King Abdullah also voiced his pride in the Amman Message, which highlighted Islam's call for tolerance, understanding and dialogue among peoples.

Jordan, the king said, is determined to continue to create opportunity for the region's youth, saying that the kingdom would continue with reform in various sectors, with emphasis on creativity and excellence.

Addressing the King at the dinner, President Silva welcomed Their Majesties on their first visit to Portugal, and recalled his visit to Jordan last year, saying the two exchanges were central to developing ties between the two countries.

He said joint ventures between Portuguese and Jordanian businessmen could help to bolster economic and investment ties.

He also noted that Portugal's strong and historic ties with countries of the Southern Mediterranean would bring it closer to the Arab world and help advance common interests between Jordan and Portugal, noting that the two countries are working closely to strengthen the Euro-Med partnership.

He said Portugal and Jordan were in agreement as to the urgent need for a solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, not only to achieve peace in the region, but to guarantee global peace and security.

President Silva hailed Jordan's efforts to kick-start the Middle East peace process.