His Majesty King Abdullah said Thursday that US President Barack Obama's stance on the Middle East has created a positive atmosphere for achieving a comprehensive and lasting solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

At a meeting with US envoy to the Middle East Senator George Mitchell, King Abdullah said it is important that all stakeholders play a positive role to help realise peace and stability in the region.

King Abdullah and the US envoy also discussed the steps necessary to re-start serious negotiations to achieve a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict within a regional context in accordance with the relevant terms of reference and the Arab Peace Initiative, which offers Israel peace and normal ties for withdrawal from occupied lands.

The King and Mitchell also discussed the outcome of the senator's regional tour.

Stressing the urgency of peace-making, the King said prompt action is needed to initiate serious negotiations that follow a clear plan of action to realise the two-state solution as soon as possible.

King Abdullah said the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on Palestinian national soil, in accordance with the two-state formula, is the only way to bring about regional peace and stability. He also emphasised that Israel must halt settlements in the Palestinian territories and unilateral procedures in Jerusalem, which, he said, are meant to alter the identity of the holy city.

King Abdullah, who underlined the significance of the US role in realising peace, security and stability in the region, highlighted Obama's efforts in this regard and commended Obama's speech in Cairo last week. He said the American president had delivered important messages, and said he regarded as positive the US commitment to the two-state solution and Obama's stated desire to form a relationship between the US and the Arab and Muslim worlds built on mutual respect.

In a statement following the meeting, Mitchell said the US is committed to bringing about comprehensive peace in the region.

The senator added that discussions with King Abdullah addressed how best to activate the peace process and create a positive environment in which to re-start negotiations. Mitchell said the starting point for peace talks is the Israelis and Palestinians honouring their commitments under the roadmap.

The talks also addressed the work required by all concerned countries, including the US, Europe and the Arab states, to support these efforts and build on them.