His Majesty King Abdullah on Monday emphasised America’s pivotal role in the peace process and the region, stressing that despite the current regional developments, the Palestinian-Israeli conflict will remain the region’s core issue.

Speaking to the press in Washington, DC, ahead of his meeting with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, King Abdullah expressed appreciation for the distinguished Jordanian-US relations, saying that his meeting with Clinton will cover bilateral cooperation and challenges facing the Middle East.

The King, who will meet US President Barack Obama in Washington today, said his meetings with Obama and other US officials will focus on means to bring the Palestinians and Israelis back to the negotiating table.

Clinton described the King as “an influential and stable voice in a turbulent region and changing world”, adding that Jordan is an important and strategic partner of the US.

During the meeting, King Abdullah urged the international community to redouble its efforts to re-launch direct talks between the Palestinians and Israelis that will lead to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state living in peace and harmony alongside Israel, saying the US had a pivotal role in this regard.

King Abdullah and the US secretary of state also discussed means to bolster bilateral relations in all spheres, especially economic cooperation, with the King expressing Jordan’s gratitude for US support.

He also reviewed the Kingdom’s reform efforts as well as the country’s endeavour to present an advanced reform model in the region.

Clinton expressed appreciation for the King’s efforts to achieve peace and stability in the Middle East and the reform efforts in the Kingdom.

The King’s media adviser, Amjad Adaileh, Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh, Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Jafar Hassan, Royal Court Adviser Amer Hadidi, Jordan’s Ambassador to the US Alia Bouran as well as senior US officials attended the meeting.