His Majesty King Abdullah on Monday discussed with visiting Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas efforts to push the peace process forward, current developments in the region and issues of mutual concern.

King Abdullah reiterated Jordan's support for negotiations between the Palestinians and Israel to resolve final status issues, leading to the creation of an in dependent Palestinian state in accordance with international resolutions and the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative.

The King renewed his opposition to partial solutions and unilateral measures, which he described an obstacle to tangible progress in the peace process.

King Abdullah called on the Palestinians to address internal differences and unify their positions in order to be able to obtain their legitimate rights and create an independent state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. He also voiced concern about the deteriorating living conditions of the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip due to the continued Israeli siege. He urged the international community to exert efforts to end the sanctions and continue humanitarian and medical assistance to the Palestinians in Gaza Strip.

Abbas briefed the King on the results of his recent meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and progress in the negotiations.

Discussions also covered preparations for the upcoming Arab and Islamic summits, with the two leaders emphasising the importance of coordination ahead of the meetings in order to produce a united Arab position in support of the Palestinians and the peace process.