His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday called for translating the US commitment to the two-state solution and the European support for Mideast peace efforts into practical steps as soon as possible.

A peace agreement should come within a regional context to reach a lasting and just peace in accordance with the related terms of reference, especially the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative, King Abdullah said in meetings yesterday with Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt and Foreign Minister Carl Bildt.

Also on Tuesday, King Abdullah met with Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia. During the meeting, which continued over a lunch banquet, the two leaders discussed developments in the Middle East and regional and international efforts to bring about comprehensive and lasting peace in accordance with the two-state solution. Talks also covered ways to bolster bilateral ties in different fields.

In the meetings with the two Swedish officials, King Abdullah discussed efforts to realise the two-state settlement, which, he said, is accepted by the international community as the sole way to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the statement indicated.

Talks also covered the role Sweden can play at the European and global levels to support the two-state solution, which would lead to a permanent and just peaceful settlement, especially since Sweden will hold the rotating presidency of the EU early next month.

King Abdullah also emphasized the urgency intensifying international efforts to kick-start Palestinian-Israeli negotiations in accordance with a clear action plan and a fixed timeframe.

In the talks, King Abdullah renewed Jordan's demand that Israel halt all unilateral measures and settlement activities, which threaten the future of peace efforts.

King Abdullah also discussed means to help the Palestinians overcome their difficult living conditions, stressing the vital role of Sweden and the EU in this regard.

On bilateral ties, he reviewed investment opportunities in Jordan and voiced hope for a greater volume of trade and more Swedish investments in Jordan.

The two sides also discussed opportunities to benefit from Sweden's experience in the fields of environment, renewable energy and communications as Sweden enjoys a global reputation in these spheres.

Reinfeldt and Bildt briefed King Abdullah on Sweden's stand towards the developments in the Middle East and efforts to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, expressing hope for better bilateral ties between the two kingdoms.