His Majesty King Abdullah on Sunday held talks in Cairo with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak focused on recent developments in the region and means to boost bilateral ties.

King Abdullah and Mubarak urged better Arab coordination at “this critical stage” to unify the Arab position on the current challenges in the region and efforts to attain a comprehensive and just peace.

At the meeting, the two leaders also underlined the need for intensified international efforts to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict by launching serious negotiations between the Palestinians and Israelis as soon as possible.

Negotiations should be based on the two-state solution and the relevant terms of reference, especially the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative, the two leaders said.

They also discussed the “disastrous consequences” for the region's security and stability if the opportunity to realise peace is wasted.

King Abdullah and Mubarak also called for an immediate halt to Israeli measures that threaten peace efforts, especially settlement activities and measures that jeopardise the identity of Jerusalem and the holy sites in the city.

During the talks, which continued over lunch, they emphasised their interest in continued consultation and coordination on issues of mutual concern, stressing keenness to foster bilateral cooperation in various fields..

In this regard, they stressed the importance of the meetings of the Joint Jordanian-Egyptian Higher Committee that will convene in Cairo in mid-November, co-chaired by the prime ministers of both countries.

Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh, speaking at a joint press conference with his Egyptian peer, referred to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' meetings with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and US Special Envoy for the Middle East George Mitchell, saying it seems that “there are difficulties” emerging in light of the meetings' outcome.

"We have to support the Palestinian Authority and President Abbas, who shows continued commitment to peacemaking efforts," said Judeh.

Judeh called the recent unilateral Israeli measures "unfortunate", referring especially to East Jerusalem, where recent escalations had the potential to develop into a real crisis. The minister said unilateral Israeli measures are rejected in principle, especially when it comes to Jerusalem, settlement activities, evictions and excavation work.

Echoing remarks made by the King, Judeh said Jerusalem is a red line and should be the symbol of peace for followers of the three monotheistic religions.

In his remarks to the press, Abul Gheit expressed hope that the Palestinians can receive guarantees from the US on settlement activities, Jerusalem, withdrawing from the occupied territories and ending the occupation.

In response to a question on guarantees required on the part of the Arabs to achieve peace, Abul Gheit said guarantees should be from the US and the international community, adding that the US should clearly declare its commitment to implementing what was announced at September's UN General Assembly meeting. He said it is important to set a time frame for the peace talks as there are continued “attempts to waste time”.

Abul Gheit said he expects a meeting at the ministerial level to be held soon for the Arab Follow-up Committee to discuss a report by Abbas on his recent meetings with the Americans, adding that Egypt, meanwhile, will present a report on its efforts to realise Palestinian reconciliation.

The King returned home later in the day.