Their Majesties King Abdullah and Queen Rania on Wednesday visited the municipality of Rome, where they were received by Mayor Gianni Alemanno and his wife Isabella Rauti.

The King and the Queen, who exchanged gifts with the mayor and his wife, were accompanied on the visit by Their Royal Highnesses Princesses Zein and Aisha.

King Abdullah highlighted the strong ties between Jordan and Italy, referring to opportunities and potential fields for cooperation between Amman and Rome.

Their Majesties, who arrived in Rome on Monday on a state visit upon an invitation from Italian President Giorgio Napolitano and his wife, also visited the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Rome, where the King laid a wreath. Italian Minister of Defence Ignazio La Russa and several senior Italian army officers received the King and the Queen at the memorial.

Also Wednesday, the King received a telephone call from Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi during which they discussed several issues of mutual concern, especially efforts to realise peace in the Middle East and means to enhance bilateral ties. King Abdullah and Berlusconi agreed to postpone a meeting that was planned for Wednesday due to conditions relating to the Italian premier.

The meeting will be held in Amman at a later date.

Later on Wednesday, Their Majesties held a dinner banquet in honour of the Italian president and his wife. Princesses Zein and Aisha also attended the banquet along with high-ranking Italian officials.

On Tuesday night, the Italian president held a dinner banquet in honour of Their Majesties and the accompanying delegation. In remarks at the dinner, Napolitano said his country is proud of its relations with Jordan and voiced appreciation for the King's efforts to achieve progress and development in the Kingdom.

Napolitano also highlighted Jordan's and Italy's common principles, the two countries' role in entrenching security in the Mediterranean region and their vision for peace in the Middle East.

Addressing attendees, King Abdullah said Italy is a model state that effectively works to enhance mutual respect and entrench international peace and prosperity, referring to its role in cementing regional ties and enhancing the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership.

The King said Italy and Jordan have shared values and interests in enhancing peace, moderation and tolerance, expressing his pride in the launch of the Amman Message, which seeks to strengthen understanding and common bonds.