The U.S. president also praised the reforms being made in Jordan, saying that the U.S. supports the Jordanian King on changes, particularly those to do with economic stabilization. “One of the things we discussed is how the United States can continue to be supportive of these economic efforts that the King is embarked on. And so I’m pleased to announce the allocation of One billion dollars in U.S. assistance to Jordan to support economic growth in Jordan and provide 50,000 metric tons of wheat to Jordan. All of this will help to stabilize the cost of living in Jordan and laying the foundation for the progress of economic reform and development there," he said. The two leaders also discussed the need for lasting peace in the Middle East, stressing that "a return to negotiations, leading to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state living in peace next to Israel is more important than ever because of changes in the region." Obama said, “Jordan has an important role to play in this regard in the light of its association with a peace agreement with Israel." King Abdullah spoke very briefly, praised Obama, and pledged his country’s commitment to seeing Middle East peace. --SPA 11:57 LOCAL TIME 08:57 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/893969