His Majesty King Abdullah returned home on Thursday after a short visit to Damascus, during which he discussed with Syrian President Bashar Assad bilateral ties and the latest developments in the region.

During the meeting, King Abdullah and President Assad expressed satisfaction over the current standard of cooperation between the two countries and said both countries are eager to enhance relations, especially economic ties.

In their discussions, which continued over a lunch banquet held in honour of the King, the two leaders also reviewed recent developments in the occupied Palestinian territories, condemning Israel's unilateral measures, especially those that seek to Judaise Jerusalem and empty the city of its Muslim and Christian residents.

King Abdullah and Assad also denounced the Israeli decision to demolish 22 Palestinian houses in East Jerusalem and stressed the need to bolster efforts to lift the “illegal” and “inhumane” Israeli blockade on the Gaza Strip.

The two leaders underscored the importance of securing an international consensus that counters Israeli policies hindering efforts to bring about comprehensive regional peace.

King Abdullah and Assad said the region will not experience peace and stability without first achieving a just and comprehensive peace based on international law that ensures Israel's withdrawal from all occupied Arab territories and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on Palestinian national soil.

Prime Minister Samir Rifai, Royal Court Chief Nasser Lozi, King's Adviser Ayman Safadi and Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Judeh attended the meeting.