His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday held talks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on efforts to revive peace talks between the Palestinians and Israelis.

The King underlined the need to create the appropriate conditions to relaunch peace talks that address all final status issues and lead to the establishment of an independent and viable Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

His Majesty said the meetings held between Palestinian and Israeli officials in Amman are a step to build on, and should be followed by other meetings to overcome the obstacles hindering the resumption of direct negotiations based on the two-state formula.

The two leaders expressed their keenness to continue coordination and consultation regarding issues of mutual concern.

The King said he will focus on means to support peace efforts in his meeting with US President Barack Obama.

Abbas voiced his appreciation for the King’s efforts to push the peace process forward and for Jordan’s continuous support for the Palestinian people.

“We appreciate King Abdullah’s initiative to host the meetings between the Palestinians and Israelis, which stems from his keenness to support the Palestinian Authority and the rights of the Palestinian people.”

Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh, His Majesty’s Office Director Imad Fakhoury, His Majesty’s Adviser for Media Affairs Amjad Adaileh, Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erekat and Palestinian Ambassador in Amman Ata Khairi attended the meeting.

In remarks after the meeting, Abbas expressed hope that more meetings between Palestinians and Israelis will be held by January 26 in order to return to “the legal basis that allows the resumption of negotiations”.

Abbas welcomed any opportunity that Jordan helps create to push peace efforts forward, which, he said, must be utilised regardless of how weak the prospects are.