His Majesty King Abdullah on Monday received U.S. Defence Secretary Robert Gates who arrived in Jordan as part of a regional tour.

His Majesty discussed with Gates regional developments, stressing the significant US role in resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict based on the two-state solution and in accordance with international resolutions as well as the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative.

The King said that finding a just solution to the Palestinian issue that leads to the creation of an independent and viable Palestinian state on Palestinian national soil is key to achieving stability and security in the Middle East.

Discussions also covered means to enhance bilateral ties, especially in the field of defence.