Jordan's King Abdullah II on Tuesday held talks with U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates who is currently on a visit to the Middle East with focus on situation in Iraq and peace process in the region.

Calling for efforts to end the cycle of violence, King Abdullah voiced concern over the situation in Iraq and stressed that all Iraqis in the political process was the only guarantee of a better future for the country.

During the meeting, he also underlined the importance of advancing peace in the region in accordance with a two-state solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, according to Jordan's news agency Petra.

The conflict between Israelis and Palestinians remains the core of conflict in the region, the king said, adding that international and regional actors should make the establishment of an independent Palestinian state a priority in order to realize regional peace and stability.

Gates, for his part, said that Jordan is a prominent regional voice in the constant defense of peace and has exerted great efforts to stabilize neighboring Iraq and to achieve peace and stability in the Middle East.

Gates arrived in Amman Monday on a tour aimed at rallying support for the Iraqi government and countering Iran's growing influence in the Middle East.

After talks with Jordanian leaders, Gates will go to Egypt and Israel to continue his regional trip.

Source: Xinhua