His Majesty King Abdullah II on Tuesday received Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf, who is participating in the 61st session of UN General Assembly. The two leaders discussed the current situation in the Middle East.

They stressed the urgent need for international engagement in the Middle East in order to solve the crises facing the region, notably by encouraging dialogue and diplomatic channels as a means to solve the disputes.

King Abdullah said Jordan was keen to develop its relations with Pakistan in all sectors.

President Musharraf expressed Pakistan's appreciation for King Abdullah's regional and international efforts to advance stability in the Middle East and to find a just solution for the Palestinian issue. He hailed the King's initiative to clarify the principles and values of Islam.

King Abdullah also met Costa Rican President Oscar Sanchez. The two leaders discussed the development of bilateral relations, particularly in the economic field.

The King and President Sanchez, who is a Nobel laureate, reviewed Costa Rica's experience in investment promotion.