(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-04-25 10:36

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas attends Friday prayers at his headquarters in the West Bank city of Ramallah April 11, 2008. [Xinhua]

WASHINGTON -- US President George W. Bush met with Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas here Thursday, with the two leaders expressing confidence that Israel and the Palestinians can reach an agreement on the Palestinian state by the end of this year.

Bush said he is confident that the Palestinians and Israel can reach an agreement on the definition of a Palestinian state by the end of his term next January.

"I assured the president that a Palestinian state's a high priority, for me and my administration, a viable state, a state that doesn't look like Swiss cheese, a state that provides hope," Bush said as the two presidents met at the White House.

US President George W. Bush addresses the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast in Washington April 18, 2008. [Xinhua]

In response, Abbas said "We believe that you actually are truly seeking a true, genuine and lasting peace in the Middle East. And I am certain that you would like to see an agreement and settlement before the end of your term."

"I cannot say that the road to peace is paved with flowers, it is paved with obstacles. But together, we will work very hard in order to eliminate those obstacles and achieve peace," said Abbas.

"I'm confident we can achieve the definition of a state. I'm also confident it's going to require hard work. To that end, I'm going back to the Middle East. I'm looking forward to meeting you, sir," Bush added.