His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday said that the regional developments should not be used as an excuse to stop the pursuit of Mideast peace.

During talks with Spanish Foreign Minister Trinidad Jimenez, who is on a regional tour, King Abdullah stressed that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains the core issue in the Middle East and that a just solution to it is imperative.

The two sides discussed the EU's potential role in peace-making efforts which, he said, should lead to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within a comprehensive regional context.

Discussions also covered bilateral relations and ways to enhance them to serve the interests of both countries.

Jimenez underlined EU support for the Palestinian people's aspirations to establish an independent and viable state living in peace and security alongside Israel. She also highlighted EU support for Jordan's political and economic plans and the steps sought by King Abdullah towards comprehensive political and economic reform.

Royal Court Chief Khaled Karaki, the King's Media Adviser Amjad Adaileh, Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh, Spanish Ambassador in Amman Javier Sangro de Liniers and the accompanying delegation attended the meeting.