His Majesty King Abdullah on Thursday urged intensified efforts to prepare the stage for the US-proposed Mideast peace meeting.

During a meeting with Assistant Secretary of State David Welch, the King called on the US to exert utmost efforts to ensure that the meeting concludes with tangible results that trigger progress in the peace process in accordance with a fixed timeframe towards an independent Palestinian state living peacefully side-by-side with Israel.

His Majesty stressed the need for such a meeting to address unresolved issues between the Palestinians and Israelis. The so-called final status issues include Jerusalem, borders, settlements and refugees.

King Abdullah and Welch also discussed developments in Iraq. In this regard, the King stressed Jordan's support for efforts seeking to enhance security and stability in the country.

Meanwhile, Welch briefed the King on his country's efforts to revive the Palestinian-Israeli peace process and improve the situation in strife-torn Iraq.