His Majesty King Abdullah held talks in Aqaba with German Chancellor Angela Merkel amid new momentum to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

During their meeting, the King and German Chancellor spoke first and foremost about the need to build on the momentum of the Arab summit to move the Arab Peace Initiative forward and bring peace, stability and security to the people of the region.

The King added that Jordan looks forward to working closely with Germany and the European partners, to advance the initiative as an ideal framework for political negotiations between Arabs and Israelis.

King Abdullah Also said that the Arab Peace Initiative reaffirms the Arab people's desire and will to live in a peaceful Middle East with Israel. The initiative is also able to achieve a comprehensive settlement to the Arab-Israeli conflict, beginning with the creation of a sovereign, viable and independent Palestine living side-by-side with a secure Israel.

Merkel, whose country holds the EU's rotating presidency, was in Aqaba at the start of a Middle East tour.

She was to travel on to Israel, Lebanon and the Palestinian territories.

Agencies