His Majesty King Abdullah received Maldives President Mamoun Abdul Gayoom on Sunday and discussed means to enhance bilateral ties in economic and cultural fields, as well as current regional developments.

The King said Jordan was ready to provide the Maldives with the needed expertise in the education and health sectors.

King Abdullah briefed the Maldivian president on the Kingdom's efforts at the Arab, regional and international levels to support the rights of Palestinians to establish an independent state.

During the meeting, the King also reviewed efforts to clarify the true image of Islam, including the Amman Message which he launched in November 2004.

The two leaders also discussed efforts exerted by the G-11 to enhance cooperation and boost the member states' economies for achieving progress.

The Maldivian president commended King Abdullah's efforts to achieve a fair and comprehensive peace in the Middle East.

Abdul Gayoom also briefed the King on his country's plans to overcome the effects of the tsunami which hit the Maldives in late 2004, as well as programmes to improve its economy.