During a meeting with Russian Prime Minister,Vladimir Putin, the Jordanian monarch warned about the increased settlement of Jewish colonists in occupied Palestinian areas, and stressed that Russia has always been a mediator in the Middle Eastern dispute.

AbdalaII's visit would give an additional impetus to promote international conditions in order to seek a negotiated solution to the issue of the Palestinians, based on the coexistence of Israel and Palestinian states.

On his part, Putin highlighted the development of bilateral ties, especially in the energy sphere and in military-technical cooperation.

Both sides agreed on the need for greater cooperation to seek solutions to the situation created with the Palestinians in Jordan, in the midst of the growing hostility of Israel in the region, he said.

The stay in this city of King Abdala II, appointed head of the monarchy in February 1999, occurs a few weeks after a visit by Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu.