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Rabat - U.S. Middle East envoy, George Mitchell said Tuesday his visit to Morocco is an expression of recognition of the relations between the two countries, and a sign of gratitude to king Mohammed VI for this continued close relationship.

"The United States and Morocco have a history of friendship and cooperation in many areas. And in my third visit to the region, I wanted to come to Morocco on the first day as an expression of our recognition of that relationship and the close working relationship that we've had," Mitchell told the press at the end of a meeting with Morocco's Foreign Minister, Taib Fassi Fihri.

On the Middle East conflict, Mitchell said the Obama administration aims to reach a comprehensive peace; "a resolution of all outstanding conflicts as soon as possible." He added: "essential to that will be the support of the government and the people of Morocco."

"We believe that the two-state solution: two states living side by side in peace is the best and the only way to resolve this conflict, and we will be pursuing that objective in the meetings that I will be having in the region over the next two weeks."

The American diplomat voiced hope to contribute in establishing a period of peace and prosperity for all the people of the region.

For his part, Fassi Fihri stressed the importance king Mohammed VI attaches to the Palestinian cause and to the situation of the Al Qods, especially its eastern part.

He also underlined that the appointment of Mitchell two days after the election of Barack Obama proves the willingness of the United States to deal with the Middle East conflict within a two-state solution.

The FM stressed the need to work hand in hand to find a solution to the conflict "within the respect of the Arab peace initiative."

He said Morocco and the U.S. will continue their consultations in order to resume the peace talks “on solid basis,” in order to reach a “lasting and comprehensive solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict.”

Mitchell had arrived Monday evening in Rabat part of the U.S. consultations on the Middle East.