AMMAN: Jordan’s king called on visiting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday to seize the moment and opportunity made possible under a US diplomatic push to achieve a lasting and comprehensive settlement with the Palestinians, the Royal Palace said.

NEWSMAKERS: King Abdallah of Jordan shakes hands with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Amman. (AFP)

The appeal came during a surprise visit by Netanyahu, who held talks with Abdallah on the latest in the Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations. The palace said the two talked behind closed doors about the “developments in the peace process” and Israeli-Palestinian negotiations sponsored by the United States.

The visit was not previously announced. Netanyahu made at least three similar visits to Jordan last year. There was no immediate comment in Israel on Thursday’s visit.

The palace statement said the meeting with Netanyahu was significant because it coincided with a “critical period” in the negotiations. It did not elaborate, but added that Thursday’s talks were part of Jordan’s “cooperation with all the sides involved in the peace process.”

The palace quoted Abdallah as urging Netanyahu to make use “and build on the opportunity made available by the consolidated efforts of the US secretary of state to achieve tangible progress in the peace negotiations.”

The ultimate goal, Abdallah added, is the establishment of an “independent and viable Palestinian state” with East Jerusalem as its capital. He stressed that Palestinian-Israeli final status negotiations touch on “higher Jordanian interests.”

“They are a top priority for us,” he reportedly told Netanyahu.

The palace said Netanyahu briefed Abdallah on the negotiations with the Palestinians, but did not provide details.

SOURCE: ARABNEWS.COM