His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday held talks in Washington, DC, with Vice President Dick Cheney and US congressional leaders, focusing on regional developments and bilateral ties.

King Abdullah and Cheney discussed means to support the Middle East peace process, especially by encouraging the Palestinians and Israelis to resume peace negotiations.

King Abdullah reiterated that negotiations were the only means to settle differences between the parties to the conflict. In order for the peace process to succeed, confidence-building between the two sides is essential, he told the vice president.

The King said real progress on the ground needs to be achieved for the process to yield fruit and stressed the importance of supporting the Palestinian National Authority in carrying out its mission to improve the life of the Palestinian people.

King Abdullah emphasised that the use of military force against the Palestinians will not help foster the region's security and stability.

The King and the vice president also discussed US assistance to Jordan.

Commending the King's efforts to achieve regional peace and stability, Cheney reiterated the United States' commitment to achieving peace through the two-state solution.

Also Wednesday, Their Majesties King Abdullah and Queen Rania held separate meetings with US Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nevada) and Chairman of the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee Howard Berman (D-California), along with other panel members.

During the two meetings, King Abdullah addressed aspects of cooperation between Jordan and the US, particularly in the economic field. He underlined the importance of US assistance to Jordan's economy, which is challenged by the increase of oil prices on the international market.

King Abdullah reiterated his call for greater US engagement in the peace process, which he described as the core issue for regional security and stability. He said it was essential to continue building in achievements made at the Annapolis peace meeting in November last year.

The King cautioned that the failure of the peace process would have negative repercussions on the region, stressing there should be an end to all acts of aggression taking place in Gaza and the importance of going back to the negotiating table to achieve a just and comprehensive peace.

Talks also addressed the situation in Iraq and the efforts which regional countries can play to foster its security and stability.

During a White House meeting with President George W. Bush Tuesday, the King said Israeli policy of siege and its use of military force would only deepen the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians and threaten to waste years of negotiations for peace.