His Majesty King Abdullah on Sunday headed to Washington to take part in the launch of direct peace talks between the Palestinians and Israelis upon an invitation from US President Barack Obama.

During the visit, the King will hold talks with the US president and attend a meeting held by Obama with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Quartet Representative Tony Blair ahead of the launch of the direct Palestinian-Israeli negotiations on Thursday.

The talks between King Abdullah and Obama will focus on the steps needed to ensure that the direct talks bring an end to the Palestinian-Israeli dispute on the basis of the two-state solution and within a regional context that leads to comprehensive peace in the region as soon as possible.

His Royal Highness Prince Feisal was sworn in as the Regent in the presence of Cabinet members.