His Majesty King Abdullah on Sunday held talks with Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak on efforts to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict within a regional context to achieve comprehensive and viable peace.

The King discussed with Barak steps that need to be taken to ensure the success of the direct talks to be launched in Washington.

King Abdullah stressed that the negotiations should be serious and address all final status issues, including the question of borders and the future of Palestinian refugees, as soon as possible.

The only way to guarantee regional security and stability is a comprehensive peace that begins with resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict on the basis of the two-state solution, the King told the Israeli official.

Noting that the Middle East peace is a regional and an international strategic interest, King Abdullah said all parties must work collectively to ensure the success of the direct negotiations and to guarantee their tangible and speedy progress.

Royal Court Chief Nasser Lozi, King's Adviser Ayman Safadi and Barak's accompanying delegation attended the meeting.