His Majesty King Abdullah on Monday started a two-day visit to United Arab Emirates where he met with President Sheikh Khalifa Ben Zayed Al Nahayan.

At a meeting in Abu Dhabi, the two leaders urged international efforts to defuse escalation between Palestinians and Israelis, following recent developments in Gaza Strip.

In Amman, Government Spokesperson Nasser Judeh said Jordan, which hosted an informal meeting last week between Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, “intensified its efforts in the past 24 hours at all levels to help contain the situation”.

Both leaders also discussed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation, especially in economic fields.

The King and Sheikh Khalifa stressed support to Iraq's unity and to enhance the country's security and stability.

The King was accompanied by Chief of the Royal Court Salem Al Turk, Director of His Majesty's office Bassem Awadallah, His Majesty's Special Advisor Farouq Qasrawi and Director General of the General Intelligence Department Mohammad Al Dahabi.