His Majesty King Abdullah met on Thursday with a delegation from the Washington Institute for Near East Policy with whom he discussed several regional issues, especially developments related to the Middle East peace process.

King Abdullah and the visiting delegation discussed efforts to overcome obstacles to the resumption of Palestinian-Israeli negotiations. The King said negotiations should address final status issues, including borders, security, Jerusalem and refugees.

During the meeting, he emphasised that the establishment of an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel is the sole means by which to achieve comprehensive regional peace.

Royal Court Chief Nasser Lozi, the King's Adviser Ayman Safadi and Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Judeh attended the meeting.

Founded in 1985, the institute is one of the most prominent think tanks in the US capital and focuses on studying the US foreign policy in the Middle East.