His Majesty King Abdullah on Friday held talks with the emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, which focused on bilateral relations and the latest developments in the region, especially the Syrian crisis.

During the King’s brief visit to Doha, he and Sheikh Hamad stressed their commitment to foster stronger bilateral cooperation in the joint interests of the two peoples during a meeting at Al Wajba Palace.

They also discussed the current situation in the region and expressed solidarity with the Syrian people in the ordeal they are currently facing.

The two leaders asserted the need to find a speedy political solution to the crisis that safeguards Syria’s unity and ends the violence and bloodshed there, cautioning against the dangerous consequences the crisis could have for the entire region.

King Abdullah, who returned home the same day, and Sheikh Hamad emphasised that the challenges facing the region necessitate activating joint Arab action and increasing coordination and consultation to serve Arab interests.

The two heads of state also discussed efforts to achieve peace in the Middle East in a manner that fulfils the aspirations of the Palestinian people and leads to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the basis of the two-state solution.

Sheikh Hamad hosted an iftar banquet in honour of the King and the accompanying delegation, which was also attended by senior Qatari officials.