His Majesty King Abdullah II on Thursday held talks with US President George W. Bush on the necessity of continuing international efforts to achieve peace in the Middle East, stability in Iraq in addition to bilateral ties. King Abdullah expressed readiness to exert every effort to push the peace process forward. His Majesty, who concluded a working visit to the US, said that there was a renewal of hope after the Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, and called to build upon what has been achieved in order to move forward with the peace process and establish a viable Palestinian state. King Abdullah stressed the necessity of supporting Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas's efforts to tighten security measures, strengthen the economy and build civic institutions. The King expressed his gratitude and appreciation of US support. In remarks following the meeting with President Bush, the King added, “we held fruitful talks on the peace process and the situation in Iraq”. The US President also expressed his appreciation for His Majesty's role in supporting the peace process. President Bush stated that the US respects and appreciates the leadership of His Majesty the King. President Bush indicated that one of the most important issues he had discussed with King Abdullah was to visit and meet with Palestinian National Authority President, Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon so His Majesty could further support the peace process. The US President also expressed his gratitude for the pioneering role of the King in helping to achieve peace. “It will be very helpful to have your voice of reason there to talk to both leaders” President Bush said, who also stressed that “relations between Jordan and America are strong, important and vital.”