His Majesty King Abdullah on Sunday discussed with French Prime Minister Francois Fillon means to develop bilateral mechanisms of cooperation and efforts to achieve a two-state solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

During the meeting held over a working lunch, King Abdullah expressed hope that the French premier's visit would be an opportunity for the two sides to advance in bilateral ties, particularly in economic matters and investment, noting that France leads non-Arab states in the volume of investment in Jordan.

At Sunday's meeting, attended by Prime Minister Zaid Rifai, the King commended continued French support of Jordan's efforts to achieve sustainable development and carry out mega-projects in the energy, transport and water sectors.

King Abdullah underlined the need for intensive efforts to re-start serious and effective negotiations between the Palestinians and Israel in accordance with international resolutions and a clear action plan to address all final status issues. He said negotiations should lead to the establishment of an independent and viable Palestinian state living in peace and security alongside Israel.

Royal Court Chief Nasser Lozi, the King's Advisor Ayman Safadi, Minister of Industry and Trade Amer Hadidi, Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Jafar Hassan and Jordan's Ambassador to France Dina Kawar also attended the meeting.

Earlier in the day, the two countries signed a number of bilateral agreements and memos of understanding and protocols at a signing ceremony in the Prime Ministry. King Abdullah said the new agreements reflected the advanced level of ties.

The agreements covered a host of projects, including one to boost the capacity of the Public Funds Rehabilitation Centre and two financing agreements for biodiversity and boosting the Kingdom's trade capacity.

Also signed was a protocol for setting up an energy and mega projects centre of excellence, an agreement on the exploration and use of uranium, a protection and civil defence deal and a letter of intent for cooperation in movie production.