His Majesty King Abdullah on Friday said that what some are promoting about Jordan being the alternative to solve the Palestinian issue is rejected by both Jordanians and Palestinians.

At an economic forum in Idaho, attended by Her Majesty Queen Rania and several world political, economic and intellectual figures, the King underlined the centrality of the Palestinian issue and the importance to reach a just solution that ends the Israeli occupation and realises the aspiration of the Palestinians in creating their independent state.

During a dialogue at the forum, the King emphasised the importance of seizing the opportunity made available by the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative, which manifests Arabs genuine intention to achieve comprehensive and just peace and enhance security and stability in the region.

His Majesty also underscored the importance of continued international support for the Palestinians through effective contribution to efforts aimed at alleviating economic hardships and living conditions they are going through and reviving the education, health and services sectors.

On Iraq, King Abdullah said Jordan is keen to enhance ties between the Arab countries and Iraq and to help the Iraqis at this stage.

On the tension existing between Iran and the West regarding the Iranian nuclear programme, the King said dialogue is the sole way to solve the problem, emphasising that the region cannot tolerate more confrontations.

His Majesty also referred to Jordan's efforts to clarify the true image of Islam, including the Amman Message, which was launched in 2004 to highlight the noble principles of Islam and its bright image in the history of mankind.

The King referred to the issue of the soaring global prices of oil, which, His Majesty said, pose as a serious problem for many nations.