Amman - King Abdullah II of Jordan conferred Sunday with former US president Jimmy Carter and stressed the need for "tangible progress" in the ongoing peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians.

"The monarch underscored the importance of achieving tangible progress in the peace talks between the two sides and ensuring the availability of circumstances that lead to success of the negotiating process and the setting up of an independent Palestinian state," a royal court statement said.

"The king also stressed the significance of Israel giving up its policy of blockade and expansion of settlements," the statement added.

King Abdullah expressed "appreciation for Carter's active role and contributions towards the establishment of peace in the region, ending the Arab Israeli conflict and boosting world peace".

Carter briefed the king on the outcome of his Middle East tour, which included a meeting in Damascus with Hamas Politburo chief Khalid Mishaal earlier this week.

The former US president arrived in Amman earlier Sunday in the course of a regional fact-finding mission that has taken him to Israel, Egypt, Syria and Saudi Arabia.

He planned to visit Israel again this week reportedly to brief Israeli leaders on his talks with Mishaal regarding a proposed truce in the Gaza Strip and an exchange of prisoners.

Carter also held separate talks in Amman with Jordanian Foreign Minister Salah Bashir. (dpa)