The Hill News

President Obama said it was "more vital than ever" for Israelis and Palestinians to restart the negotiating process on a two-state solution in light of recent events in the Middle East.

Obama's urging came after a private meeting Tuesday with King Abdullah II of Jordan.

In a joint statement with Abdullah, the two leads said they shared the view that "despite the many changes, or perhaps because of the many changes that have taken place in the region, it's more vital than ever that both Israelis and Palestinians find a way to get back to the table and begin negotiating a process whereby they can create two states that are living side by side in peace and security."

Obama's comments come a week before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will address a joint meeting of Congress.

Additionally, Obama said in the joint statement that both Jordan and the U.S. would encourage a solution between Israel and Palestine.

"Jordan, obviously, with its own peace with Israel has an enormous stake in this. The United States has an enormous stake in this. We will continue to partner to try to encourage an equitable and just solution to a problem that has been nagging the region for many many years," Obama said.