His Majesty King Abdullah on Monday urged continued international support, especially from the new US administration, to help the Palestinians and Israelis realise tangible progress towards a solution to the Mideast conflict.

Such a solution should be based on the two-state formula, which guarantees the right of the Palestinians to an independent state and ensures Israel more security and acceptance in the region, King Abdullah said at a working lunch hosted by South African Ambassador in Amman Boy Geldenhuys and attended by several other ambassadors.

The King reviewed developments in the Middle East and efforts to bring about peace, reiterating that the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative is a genuine opportunity to achieve a just and comprehensive peaceful settlement.

Ambassadors of Australia, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Brazil, India, Malaysia, Norway, the Philippines, Brunei, Chile, Sri Lanka, China, Pakistan, Thailand, Canada, South Korea, Switzerland, Japan, Iran and Nigeria attended the meeting.

At the event, King Abdullah voiced satisfaction over the level of ties between Jordan and these countries.

The King stressed his keenness to bolster ties with these nations in various sectors, highlighting Jordan's strategic priorities during the coming stage in the fields of economy and development. He cited technical cooperation, infrastructure and alternative energy as fields where cooperation is needed.

King Abdullah also underlined the potential for these countries to join forces as they stand up to the repercussions of the global financial crisis.