His Majesty King Abdullah emphasised the importance of immediate and effective action to achieve a two-state solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

At a meeting with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Catherine Ashton in Brussels Thursday, King Abdullah stressed that the two-state solution is perceived by the international community as the sole path to bringing about peace and stability in the region.

The King said that the alternative to progress towards a solution is more tension and conflict that would undermine security and stability within and outside the region and threaten US, European and international strategic interests.

King Abdullah underscored the need for serious and effective talks between the Palestinians and Israelis according to clear terms of reference and warned that continuing to adopt the current approach to crisis management will lead to more tensions and violence.

During the meeting, attended by officials from the European Commission, the King praised the EU's support for the establishment of an independent and viable Palestinian state living alongside Israel.

He called for international efforts to build a suitable atmosphere for the launch of peace talks, including an end to all unilateral Israeli measures, particularly the construction of settlements, and stressed the need for negotiations to be based on international resolutions.

King Abdullah and Ashton discussed means to enhance cooperation between Jordan and the EU in peace efforts as well as at the trade and investment levels.

The King also met with businesspeople and chief executives of a number of Belgian and international companies to encourage them to invest in Jordan and increase economic and investment exchange.

In separate meetings with BESIX Chief Executive Officer Johan Beerlandt, Chief Executive Officer of Barco NV Eric Van Zele and President and CEO of International General Electric Ferdinando Nani Beccalli-Falco, he highlighted Jordan's investment friendly atmosphere.

The King briefed the top executives on mega-projects that the Kingdom is planning to implement in vital sectors including water, energy and transport.