His Majesty King Abdullah on Monday stressed the importance of continued international efforts to push the peace process forward in the region.

His Majesty emphasised the centrality of the EU's role in maintaining the momentum of the peace process that would lead to a comprehensive two-state solution which addresses the multiple dimensions of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

The King made his remarks during a meeting with European Parliament President Hans-Gert Poettering who took part in the Euro-Med Parliamentary Assembly (EMPA) at the Dead Sea.

In his meeting with Poettering, King Abdullah emphasised the two-state solution, which receives the support and the acceptance of the Arabs and the international community, is the foundation for any future move forward in the negotiations between the Palestinians and Israelis.

The King and Poettering reviewed the positive ties between Jordan and the EU and means to develop them in different fields.

Poettering voiced appreciation for the King's efforts in supporting the peace process between the Palestinians and Israelis, and boosting the atmosphere of stability and security in the region.

In a separate meeting with the Friends of Jordan group at the European Parliament, King Abdullah discussed developments in the Middle East, especially regarding the Palestinian-Israeli peace process, and efforts to have negotiations between the two advance.

His Majesty also voiced appreciation for the efforts members of the European Parliament exert to bring closer the viewpoints of the Palestinians and Israelis, and to help overcome the obstacles impeding progress of the peace process.

The delegation members commended the moderate voice of Jordan, represented by King Abdullah, in the Middle East, referring to the King's speech at the European Parliament in Strasbourg last year in which he stressed the important role Europe can play to bring about the desired peace in the region.

The two sides also discussed means to enhance the work of the Friends of Jordan, with the King stressing the need to maintain coordination in various regional and international efforts.

The Friends of Jordan was created in Brussels last year and groups 15 members; it is the first group of its kind which connects an Arab country to the European Parliament.