His Majesty King Abdullah on Thursday arrived in India on his first state visit, with calls for an urgent resolution of the Palestinian issue.

“The core conflict in our region continues to be fuelled by the denial of Palestinian rights and sovereignty. This ongoing crisis is the cause of immense suffering and violence. And today, it is contributing to a deepening regional instability. Violence and conflict have become the norms for the region. They are increasingly frequent and destructive,” the King, who was accompanied by Her Majesty Queen Rania, told the Indian Council of World Affairs.

He called for stepped-up global efforts to forge a rapprochement between the Palestinians and Israel, saying that “success will have global benefits, closing one door of opportunity to extremists”.

“This is especially important when we consider the acute situation in Iraq. This crisis, too, calls urgently for international cooperation —to stabilise the country, engage all communities in the political process, and rebuild a sovereign, unified and stable Iraq,” he said.

King Abdullah urged India and Pakistan to resolve their dispute over divided Kashmir.

“Jordan also hopes that India and Pakistan can find a peaceful resolution of the problem of Jammu and Kashmir that will enable the people of the region to live in peace, which they so rightfully deserve.”

He also met top Muslim figures and representatives of the Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India.

During the three-day visit, King Abdullah will hold talks with Indian President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as well as political leaders and elected representatives, among them ruling Congress Party leader Sonia Gandhi.

The Monarch, who called for closer trade and cultural ties with India, will also oversee the signing of agreements to develop tourism, investment, agriculture and cultural ties.