His Majesty King Abdullah and Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on Tuesday underscored the need to prepare for a US-proposed Mideast meeting, expected this fall.

During talks in Alexandria, the two leaders said it was necessary to create the right atmosphere for the Palestinians and the Israelis to resume negotiations.

Jordan has called on Israel to enter talks with the Palestinians over final status issues like Jerusalem, borders and refugees and to come up with tangible results ahead of the meeting, which was called for by President George W. Bush.

The two leaders voiced hope that efforts under way to bring about peace and stability in the Middle East would “render concrete results” that would, in turn, ensure the success of the peace meeting.

They described the proposed peace conference as a “positive step to reactivate the peace process and realise a comprehensive and just peace that helps restore the region's security and stability on the basis of international resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative”.

During the talks, the two leaders reaffirmed their support for the Palestinian Authority's procedures to rebuild national institutions and protect the interests and the unity of the Palestinians.

Talks between the King and Mubarak also covered the political crisis in Lebanon.

They called on all Lebanese political groups to resume dialogue and work to overcome their differences, so as to achieve national accord and preserve the unity and sovereignty of their country.

The two leaders also extended a similar call to Iraqi politicians, who, they said, should cooperate to safeguard the unity of Iraq and ensure the participation of all Iraqis in the political process.

On bilateral ties, the King and Mubarak expressed their keenness to go ahead with efforts to enhance their ties and cement cooperation in all fields, especially in economic, commercial and investment domains.