His Majesty King Abdullah II discussed with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice international efforts to move the peace negotiations forward between the Palestinians and Israelis.

The talks precede a White House meeting between His Majesty and US President George W. Bush later this evening.

During the meeting with Secretary Rice, King Abdullah also underscored the centrality of the Palestinian issue as the region's core conflict. He stressed that a just and lasting solution based on international resolutions and a two-state solution will contribute to solving other problems faced by the region's people.

The King said Palestinian institutions could be strengthened and living conditions improved by prompt and comprehensive international support to the Palestinian National Authority.

King Abdullah's talks with Secretary Rice also addressed the situation in Iraq. The monarch reiterated Jordan's support for all efforts intended to restore security and stability in the country and to build a better future for the Iraqi people.

Secretary Rice outlined the United States' efforts to move the peace process forward in cooperation with all concerned parties, in addition to the US policy vis-à-vis Iraq. She expressed the United States' appreciation for Jordan's efforts to promote security and stability in the Middle East.