His Majesty King Abdullah reiterated on Tuesday the need to intensify efforts to realise tangible progress in the peace process by starting serious negotiations between Palestinians and Israelis within a regional context.

Negotiations should lead to the establishment of an independent and viable Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip and ultimately a comprehensive peace, King Abdullah said at a meeting Tuesday with a delegation of US congressional aides currently on an official visit to the Kingdom.

At the meeting, the King said there is currently an opportunity to realise concrete results in terms Israeli-Palestinian conflict resolution, explaining that a two-state solution, as guaranteed by the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative, also ensures Israel's security and regional recognition.

The King also underlined the need for Israel to halt all unilateral measures, especially the construction of settlements. He cautioned that wasting the opportunity to realise peace and the failure of peace efforts will have catastrophic consequences for the entire region.

King Abdullah also stressed the importance of the US role in supporting peace efforts, adding that US President Barack Obama's speech in Cairo last month as well as his commitment to a two-state solution were viewed positively in the region. The US administration should build on the impact by announcing an action plan that lays out a clear timeframe for Israeli-Palestinian peace-making and advances peace efforts on the Syrian and Lebanese tracks.

At the meeting, the King highlighted cooperation and partnership between Jordan and America, commending US support for Jordan's development.