His Majesty King Abdullah II and German Chancellor Angela Merkel met to discuss bilateral ties and the latest developments in the Middle East.

King Abdullah described his meeting with Merkel as an important chance to discuss expanding relations between the two countries in policy, economy and culture.

''Chancellor Merkel has the same commitment to develop relations between Amman and Berlin and enhance trade and investment between the private sectors in the two friendly countries," the King said, adding that Germany is a strong partner for Jordan in education. He cited the Jordanian-German University as a prominent example of this cooperation.

Middle East peace was also on the agenda of their discussions.

King Abdullah said that discussed with the German Chancellor ways to channel crucial aid to the Palestinians in order to avert a humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian territories and to help Palestinians and Israelis to go forward in the peace process. He said both sides had an obligation to proceed responsibily to achieve the ambitions and hopes of their people to live in peace and security.

Talks also touched on the role Berlin and the EU can play to push forward the peace process.

"Germany is an important partner in Barcelona process which aims to enhance the Euro-Mediterranean partnership" King said.

The also discussed the situation in Iraq, where, King Abdullah said, Jordan supports the new Iraqi government as it works to enhance the unity, stability and security of Iraq.

The King, who was accompanied by Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah, expressed concern about the Iranian nuclear issue and called on all parties to find a diplomatic solution to the crisis. He hailed Germany's role in bring the points of view of the concerned parties closer.

At a press conference following the meeting of the two leaders, King Abdullah said that Germany and the EU play a vital role in dealing with the Middle East issues, and voiced hope that Berlin will continue to support the region as it faces different challenges.

Merkel called Jordan an important friend to Germany, adding that she talked with King Abdullah about ways to enhance relations between Amman and Berlin and to support Jordan's reform process.

"Germany will do its utmost efforts to guarantee continued support for the Palestinians," Merkel said, adding that Berlin knows the hardships the Palestinians are facing.

She added that was in the world's interest to see the peace process in the Middle East go forward, stressing the importance of committing to the international agreements, especially the roadmap.

Merkel stressed the German and European stand that Hamas must recognize Israel, noting that violence will not solve political conflicts in the Middle East.

As for Iran, Merkel described the American initiative for talks as positive, adding Germany wants to see Iran return to the negotiation table. She added that it's important to seize this opportunity.

Jordan's imports from Germany in 2005 exceeded JD454 million, while exports reached JD5 million.

King was accompanied by HRH Prince Ali Ben Al Hussein, Director of King Abdullah's Office Bassem Awadallah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Ziad Fariz, Foreign Minister Abdul Ilah Khatib and Jordanian Ambassador in Germany Waleed Rifai.