His Majesty King Abdullah on Sunday met with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and discussed Middle East issues and ways to enhance bilateral ties.

Reiterating the importance of the US role in the region, King Abdullah told Rice that her visit shows that Washington was concerned about establishing peace in the Middle East by encouraging the Palestinians and Israelis to resume negotiations.

Both sides agreed that Palestinian Authority should be financially supported to help President Mahmoud Abbas run Palestinian affairs.

His Majesty and Rice saw eye-to-eye on the need to preserve Iraq's unity and thwart attempts to destabilize the country. Their talks also included bilateral relations and means to improve them as well as US assistance to Jordan's development plans.

During the meeting, Rice reiterated President George W. Bush's stand which considers Jordan's security and prosperity a vital issue to spread peace and stability in the region, saying that Washington opposes any procedures which would affect Jordan's interests.