His Majesty King Abdullah II and Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, Sunday opened talks at Beit Al Baher (Sea Home) on development of events in the region particularly in the Palestinian areas and Iraq.

The two leaders stressed the necessity to exert every possible effort to end the whirl of violence and despair which endanger security and stability in the entire region.

They also urged the international community, the EU and the international quartet committee to shoulder their responsibilities and help the Palestinian and Israeli sides to take the necessary steps to resume peace talks and bring the peace process back into track with the aim of reaching a just and comprehensive solution based on the Road Map and leads to the establishment of a Palestinian state.

The two leaders also stressed that Israel's withdrawal plan from Gaza should be part of the Road Map and should be accomplished according to steps agreed upon with the Palestinian side.

The King and President Mubarak discussed the situation in Iraq where His Majesty King Abdullah said the planned elections in Iraq should include all areas in Iraq and represent all Iraqis.

King Abdullah also welcomed the convening of a conference on Iraq in Sharm Sheikh stressed the necessity for all influential and concerned parties to take part in the conference. He also reaffirmed Jordan's support to efforts designed to restore stability and security in Iraq.

The talks also covered means of further cementing relations between Jordan and Egypt. In another development, Queen Rania and Mrs. Mubarak discussed a host of issues related to Arab woman and empowering her role in sustainable development in the Arab region.

President Mubarak and his wife left Aqaba later on the day concluding a brief visit to Jordan.