Lisbon  - Jordan and Portugal will launch joint diplomatic efforts to push for an agreement between Israel and the Palestinians over the next few months, Jordan's King Abdullah II said after meeting Portuguese President Anibal Cavaco Silva on Monday.

The two countries wanted Israel and the Palestinians to start negotiating "as soon as possible," the king said at the start of his two-day state visit to Portugal.

Portugal and Jordan were to sign cooperation agreements in sectors including education, science, technology, culture and social communication.

Jordan's Queen Rania was to be presented with the Council of Europe's North-South Prize for her work with women and children in Jordan. (dpa)