His Majesty King Abdullah and Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on Monday emphasised the need for intensive international efforts to launch Middle East peace negotiations that proceed according to a fixed time frame and the relevant terms of reference, especially the Arab Peace Initiative.

During a meeting at the Red Sea resort of Sharm El Sheikh, King Abdullah and the Egyptian president discussed efforts to resume negotiations to end the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, based on the two-state solution, which they said is a prerequisite for achieving peace and stability in the region.

At the meeting, the two leaders reiterated their demand that Israel halt all its unilateral measures, especially the expansion of settlements, threaten the identity of Jerusalem and its holy sites.

Palestinian-Israeli peace talks, they added, should address all final status issues, lead to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state and take place within a regional context that brings about comprehensive Mideast peace. During their talks, Mubarak briefed King Abdullah on the results of his talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last week with a view to jumpstarting negotiations and realising peace based on the two-state formula. Monday's discussions also covered bilateral relations.

The talks were attended by Royal Court Chief Nasser Lozi, the King's Advisor Ayman Safadi, Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh, Director of the Intelligence Department Major General Mohammad Raqqad, Jordan's Ambassador to Egypt Hani Al Mulki and senior Egyptian officials.

King Abdullah returned later in the day.