His Majesty King Abdullah on Friday discussed with US president George Bush developments in the Middle East, especially efforts aimed at pushing the peace process forward and realizing a permanent and just peace in the region.

During a telephone call, the two leaders discussed the upcoming visit by the US president to the region.

In this regard, Bush briefed King Abdullah on the objectives of his visit, which he said seeks to renew the US commitment to support the Palestinians and Israelis to implement their commitments to reach a final settlement to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

King Abdullah stressed the importance of Bush's visit in enhancing the vital and significant role of the US in supporting the Palestinians and Israelis to reach permanent solutions to the final status issues leading to the creation of an independent Palestinian state on the Palestinian territories in the West Bank and Gaza Strip during this year.

The King said it was important that the Israelis and Palestinians implement what was agreed on in the Annapolis meeting to realise a comprehensive, just and permanent settlement to the Palestinian issue based on international resolutions, the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative and the roadmap.

In the telephone call, the two leaders reviewed bilateral ties, where King Abdullah said he appreciated Bush assistance to Jordan as the administration increased its assistance to the Kingdom for the year 2008.

The assistance, the King said, helps the country proceed with implementing development programmes and projects.

For his part, Bush said he appreciated the King's efforts to realise peace in the region, stressing his eagerness for continued coordination with His Majesty.