His Majesty King Abdullah and Bahrain's King Hamad Ben Isa Al Khalifa voiced support for Mideast peace efforts and called for resumption of Palestinian-Israeli negotiations that should lead to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.

The two leaders stressed that the peace meeting the US intends to host in Annapolis before the end of this year should discuss final status issues in the Middle East conflict, including Jerusalem, borders and the refugee issue. They urged good preparation for the meeting.

To serve the cause of peace, the US and the international community should extend assistance to the Palestinian Authority and its institutions, they said, adding that improved efficiency of PA agencies would reflect positively on the peace process as a whole.

Talks also covered the situation in Lebanon, with both sides stressing the need for political forces in this Arab country to resort to dialogue to overcome their differences and bring an end to the crisis and ensure national concord.

On Iraq, they said national unity and the participation of all Iraqis in the ongoing political process are key guarantees of the country's security, stability and sovereignty.

His Majesty and King Hamad also discussed bilateral ties during their talks, which continued over a dinner banquet.