His Majesty King Abdullah met on Wednesday with the Congressional Friends of Jordan Caucus and stressed that the solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is a prelude to achieving a comprehensive and just peace.

King Abdullah stressed that Israel has to choose between being accepted as part of the region or continue adhering to a fortress mentality, pointing out that Israel's security can only be achieved through peace.

He added that the Arab Peace Initiative should be invested in, calling it a precious opportunity to achieve peace that ensures the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.

He also said that the initiative will provide Israel with the recognition of 57 UN member states, which still do not recognise Israel.

King Abdullah noted that the objective of his visit to the US was to discuss with the US administration ways to work actively to end the Palestinian-Israeli conflict based on the two-state solution and a broader vision of comprehensive security and peace in the region.

Democratic Congressman and Caucus Chairperson Adam Schiff commended Jordan's role in promoting regional peace, saying that it is the best country to convey the Arab stance on the peace process.

The Congressional Friends of Jordan Caucus was officially launched in the US House of Representatives in 2007 through an initiative from Democratic and Republican representatives.

The US Library of Congress, where King Abdullah met members of the caucus was established in 1800.

It is the biggest library in the world and includes 142 million items.

It also has 32 million catalogued books and other materials printed in 470 languages.

The meeting was attended by His Royal Highness Prince Faisal Bin Al Hussein, Prime Minister Nader Dahabi, Royal Court Chief Nasser Lozi, the King's Advisor Ayman Safadi, Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh, Planning and International Cooperation Minister Suhair al Ali and Jordan's ambassador to Washington Prince Zeid bin Raad.

King Abdullah is accompanied on his visit to the US by a number of Jordanian students from public and private schools, who are attending some of the King's activities in order to learn about the experiences of other countries.