His Majesty King Abdullah on Thursday said any delay in re-starting Middle East peace negotiations would jeopardise the region and the strategic interests of all stakeholders at this critical stage.

King Abdullah made his remarks at a meeting he and Her Majesty Queen Rania had Thursday with visiting Speaker of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi. Talks focused on efforts to achieve Middle East peace, in accordance with the two-state solution within a regional context.

During the meeting, King Abdullah voiced satisfaction with the outcome of his visit to the US last month, especially regarding the US commitment to achieve a two-state solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. He said the two-state solution is a prerequisite for regional peace and stability.

At the meeting, which included a dinner banquet, the King underlined the need to work effectively and urgently to launch serious and direct negotiations to realise peace.

King Abdullah also voiced appreciation for Congress' support and US assistance to Jordan and discussed with Pelosi means to deepen bilateral cooperation, especially in the economic field.

Pelosi said the two countries are committed to working together to address important issues in the region, including supporting the peace process in the Middle East and combating terrorism.