His Majesty King Abdullah said Turkey has an “important strategic role” to play in addressing Middle East issues and in enhancing the region's security and stability.

King Abdullah made his remarks during a meeting on Tuesday with Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babajan, who delivered a letter from President Abdullah Gul that tackled regional developments as well as means for enhancing bilateral ties.

The King stressed the importance of building on the strong relations between the two countries in all fields.

In the letter, the Turkish president invited King Abdullah to visit Turkey, stressing Ankara's keenness on enhancing and cementing economic ties with Jordan.

Gul said signing a free trade agreement between the two countries will enhance trade between the two nations and help develop investments.

The Turkish leader added that Jordan and Turkey represent the voices of moderation in the Middle East.

King Abdullah and Babajan discussed the two countries' efforts aiming to achieve a comprehensive peace in the region and their mutual hopes for regional and international support for a US-proposed international Mideast peace conference.

The King said the upcoming meeting is an opportunity to realize genuine and concrete progress in the peace process and to enable the Palestinians to regain their legitimate rights and create their independent state on their national soil.

King Abdullah also commended Turkey's efforts to enhance understanding between the Palestinians and Israelis, and encouraging them to move forward with the peace process.

Talks also covered the situation in Iraq.

The King said it was important that Iraq's neighboring countries, including Jordan and Turkey, cooperate in supporting the Iraqi government and people to end the cycle of violence.

Babajan briefed His Majesty on Turkey's stand on developments in the region, stressing that the international community has agreed to support the upcoming peace conference.

He also commended the King's efforts to bring about peace in the region, stressing the need for Jordan and Turkey to work together in creating a strategic dialogue for establishing peace in the Middle East.