Their Majesties King Abdullah and Queen Rania received on Sunday Australian Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd.

King Abdullah discussed with the Australian official challenges to efforts to achieve a two-state solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

The King said the international community should work to remove obstacles, because failing to resolve the conflict will come at a heavy price that the region and the rest of the world will pay.

He added that an independent Palestinian state on Palestinian national soil, living peacefully with Israel, is the key to achieving comprehensive peace in the region.

Also during the meeting with Rudd, the King discussed ways to enhance cooperation between Jordan and Australia.

Queen Rania thanked the Australian foreign minister for his country's contribution to the Jordan River Foundation and the Safe Schools Programme implemented by UNICEF through the Madrasati initiative.