U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry says it is critical for a final status agreement between Israel and the Palestinians to be reached and that "significant progress" was made in recent talks.
At a news conference in Amman with Jordanian Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh, Kerry said Israeli and Palestinian leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to peace negotiations, despite what he called clear tensions.
He said regional leaders recognize the economic benefits a comprehensive peace deal would bring, including increased revenue from tourism and trade. Kerry praised Jordan's role as a key player "already engaged in major security relationships" with both the Israelis and Palestinians.