His Majesty King Abdullah and King Abdullah Ben Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia on Tuesday underlined the need to intensify efforts to create the appropriate atmosphere for jump-starting negotiations to end the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

They underlined in their Jeddah meeting the need to start serious and effective negotiations as soon as possible, describing the conflict as the major cause of tension in the region.

The two leaders looked into efforts to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict based on the two-state solution within a regional context. The envisaged solution must entail a lasting and comprehensive peace in the Middle East in accordance with the relevant terms of reference, especially the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative, they stressed.

On bilateral ties, the two leaders voiced satisfaction with the quality of current cooperation and stressed their keenness to further cement these relations in various fields.

The King voiced appreciation for Saudi Arabia's support, which, he said, helps ameliorate difficult economic conditions in the Kingdom while helping advance several development projects in different fields.

Talks also covered issues of mutual concern, especially those related to activating joint Islamic and Arab action.

Earlier in the day, the King performed Umra (the lesser pilgrimage). He later joined worshippers performing evening prayers and taraweeh (special Ramadan prayers) at the Mecca shrine.

The King was accompanied by His Royal Highness Prince Feisal, Royal Court Chief Nasser Lozi, King's Adviser on Tribal Affairs Sharif Fawaz Zaben, King's Adviser Ayman Safadi, Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh, Chief Islamic Justice Ahmad Hilayel and Director of the General Intelligence Department Major General Mohammad Raqqad.