His Majesty King Abdullah on Monday began a series of bilateral meetings with a number of world leaders participating in the 61st session of the UN General Assembly. King Abdullah first met Iraqi President Jalal Talbani, during which he stressed Jordan's interest in Iraqi territorial integrity as the basic foundation for Iraq's future. The King also offered words of praise for President Talbani and the Iraqi government's efforts to support Iraq's integration and stability. He reiterated Jordan's full support for the Iraqi people in building their state and restoring its stability. He said Jordan looked forward to hosting a conference of Iraq's religious leaders that had been scheduled to be held in Amman last June, but was postponed as the formation of a new Iraqi government was announced.

The conference, which is expected to be held before the end of this year, hopes to support Iraqi reconciliation.

Talbani expressed appreciation for King Abdullah's support for Iraq and its people as well as his readiness to host the religious leadership conference. He said all Iraqis were keen to facilitate Iraq's integration.

Later, King Abdullah met Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete to discuss economic cooperation between the two countries and the latest political developments in the Middle East, particularly in Lebanon and Palestine. The King invited President Kikwete to visit Jordan.

President Kikwete accepted the invitation and expressed appreciation for King Abdullah's efforts to achieve peace and stability in the Middle East and advance understanding among peoples and religions.

The King also met Bahraini Crown Prince Sheikh Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who is heading his country's delegation to the UN session. King Abdullah and the Bahraini crown prince discussed bilateral relations between the two countries.