Obama told reporters after meeting Jordanian King Abdullah II at his Oval Office that despite the changes taking place in the region, "it`s more vital than ever that both Israelis and Palestinians find a way to get back to the table and begin negotiating a process whereby they can create two states that are living side by side in peace and security."
He said that both the United States and Jordan have enormous stakes in the peace process.
Jordan and Egypt are the only two Arab countries to have made peace with Israel. Both Abdullah II and then Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak were invited to join the launch of Israeli- Palestinian direct talks in early September last year in Washington, but the direct talks run aground two weeks later due to Israel`s intransigence on the issue of settlement building in the West Bank.
Abdullah II thanked Obama for his continued interest in the Middle East peace process, saying "I`m delighted to be back here and I will continue to be a strong partner."
Obama said he and the king also discussed Libya, Egypt and the reform efforts taking place in Jordan, noting that he valued the king`s advice and their meeting gave them an opportunity to "share our views on the extraordinary changes" taking place throughout the Middle East and the region.
Obama described the king as a "good friend" and spoke of "a long standing friendship" between their countries as well as his appreciation for Jordan`s support in security and counterterrorism. He announced economic support and wheat aid for Jordan.
Obama has an agenda heavy with the Middle East region this week, as he is scheduled to deliver a speech on Thursday on the events in the Middle East and North Africa and U.S. policy in the region, and meet at the White House with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu the following day.
(U.C003)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
