His Majesty King Abdullah and US President Barack Obama on Monday reaffirmed the Jordanian-US partnership in talks focused on strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation in the areas of education, science, culture and entrepreneurship.

The two leaders also discussed efforts to achieve comprehensive peace in the Middle East.

The two leaders exchanged ideas on how to overcome obstacles to the resumption of Palestinian-Israeli negotiations. They agreed that proximity talks should begin quickly and transition to direct negotiations on a two-state solution as soon as possible.

King Abdullah and Obama also agreed that both sides should refrain from actions that undermine trust during these talks. The King raised Jordan's concerns about Israeli unilateral actions in Jerusalem, stressing that actions seeking to change facts on the ground must stop.

Talks also covered Iran's nuclear capabilities. The US president stressed the importance of keeping up international pressure, including sanctions, on Iran to ensure that it upholds its international obligations. King Abdullah stressed the need to resolve the issue through diplomatic means.

Both leaders agreed on the importance of strengthening the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and holding all signatories accountable. King Abdullah emphasised that the rule of transparency should apply to all countries and reiterated Jordan's call for a Middle East region free of all weapons of mass destruction.

The two sides stressed the importance of securing nuclear material to combat terrorism and agreed to continue cooperation in the area of preventing and detecting illicit trafficking.

King Abdullah and Obama also discussed the situation in Afghanistan and ways through which Jordan could contribute to international efforts to help the Afghan people and improve livelihood conditions.

The recent elections in Iraq and the situation in Yemen, as well as the global economic situation, were also discussed.

Talks were attended by Prime Minister Samir Rifai, Royal Court Chief Nasser Lozi, King's Adviser Ayman Safadi, Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh, Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Jafar Hassan and the Jordanian Ambassador to Washington His Royal Highness Prince Zeid Bin Ra'ad.

On the American side, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, National Security Adviser General James Jones, US Ambassador to Jordan Stephen Beecroft and a number of senior US officials attended the meeting.

Upon invitation by US President Barack Obama, His Majesty arrived Saturday in Washington to participate in the Nuclear Security Summit, which opens Monday evening at the Convention Center in Washington.