Berlin - German Chancellor Angela Merkel said there was "no alternative" to a two-state solution to the Mideast crisis, after talks with Jordan's King Abdullah II in Berlin on Wednesday.

"On behalf of Germany, I said we will do everything to make a constructive contribution to move this peace process forward," Merkel said at a joint press conference with the Jordanian monarch.

Both leaders expressed their hope that US President Barack Obama's input would give the Mideast peace process a new impetus, ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's scheduled visit to Washington on May 18.

The chancellor said Obama's renewed focus in the Israeli- Palestinian conflict gave a "strong political impulse to get the issue of these negotiations under control again."

"Overall, common sense simply speaks in favour of using this window of opportunity," Merkel said, warning that failure could lead to renewed violence, as had happened in the past.

Abdullah expressed his gratitude to Germany for helping to bring all the conflicting parties to the table.

The Jordanian monarch said the major difference which gave reason for hope was that today the problem was seen as a regional one, not just an Israeli-Palestinian issue.

This, Abdullah said, was visible in the fact that 56 nations which had previously refused to recognise Israel were now showing willingness to negotiate. In addition, he said Israel had recognised the need for a solution which would bring peace and stability to the region.

Abdullah and the chancellor also addressed their countries' "excellent" relations including trade, of which the monarch said there were plans for a series of synergies with German corporations during the year.

Both leaders mentioned the success of the German-Jordanian University, which Merkel described as a "beacon of light in the region."

The monarch was also due to meet German Foreign Minister Frank- Walter Steinmeier during Wednesday's visit.

Abdullah's trip followed talks in Cairo on Tuesday with Egyptian President Hosny Mubarak which focused on the need for a solution that aims to establish an independent Palestinian state living in peace with Israel.

The monarch is attempting to build on the outcome of recent talks in Washington with US President Barack Obama, who expressed support for the two-state approach as well as for the Arab peace plan, Jordanian officials had said ahead of his German visit.

The Jordanian king has also met with King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in recent days. (dpa)