There is a golden opportunity, with Arafat in power, with President Clinton still in power, with this government in Israel that wants to make peace

Ehud Barak

During his four-hour trip, King Abdullah held meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak and other members of the government.

Optimism for peace

Both he and Mr Barak expressed optimism about the Middle East peace process.

King Abdullah and Mr Barak are believed to have discussed the Palestinian and Syrian tracks in the Middle East peace process. On bilateral issues, little or no progress seems to have been made.

After the meeting, Mr Barak said their talks had been positive and productive, and he was optimistic about the next round with the Palestinians next Sunday.

Sometimes, when we get into negotiations, we lose sight of the big picture: peace itself

King Abdullah

"There is a golden opportunity, with Arafat in power, with President Clinton still in power, with this government in Israel that wants to make peace," Mr Barak said.

King Abdullah said: "We are on the threshold of a new beginning here in the Middle East, not only the Palestinian track, but the Syrian track."

However, he warned that wrangling over small details was undermining the wider process.

Warm welcome

In a speech of welcome at the Israeli resort of Eilat, Mr Barak said the peace process would become stronger as more and more people benefited from it and called for the strengthening of the ties between Israel and Jordan.

King Abdullah with Queen Rania

The visit is expected to improve relations between Israel and Jordan.

The monarch has not yet had the warm relationship with Israeli leaders that distinguished his father, the late King Hussein.

A scheduled trip in February was postponed because of tension over Israel's air attacks on Lebanon.

Jordan plays down visit

King Abdullah's first trip to Israel was mentioned, but not highlighted, in the Jordanian press.

The low-key visit was a contrast to the warm and sometimes effusive approach that King Hussein adopted with Israeli leaders.

BBC Amman correspondent Barbara Plett says King Abdullah is committed to the treaty signed by his father, but he is also sensitive to widespread discontent with relations with Israel at home.