His Majesty King Abdullah on Monday held talks with Egyptian President Muhammad Hosni Mubarak and discussed with him ways to push the peace process forward.



During their meeting at the Red Sea resort, both leaders urged Palestinians and Israelis to begin talks on final status issues and fully implement the agreements reached here during a February summit.


King Abdullah and President Mubarak pointed out that establishing an independent and geographically connected Palestinian state is the only way to achieve a just and a comprehensive peace, stressing that the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza Strip should be a starting point for an Israeli withdrawal from the West Bank.


They also warned against attempts by extremist Jewish groups to enter Al Aqsa Mosque compound, saying that such attempts threaten the current truce between the Palestinians and Israelis.


Both leaders stressed the importance of supporting Palestinian leadership's efforts to build a strong economy and as well as efficient Palestinian institutions.


On Iraq, His Majesty the King and Mubarak expressed support for steps taken by the Iraqi government to involve all the citizens in the political process.



Both leaders also discussed ways to enhance bilateral ties, particularly in the energy field.