Washington: US President George W Bush on July 26 reinforced his country's stand in ushering an independent Palestinian state while Palestine's Prime Minister Mahmud Abbas recommitted himself to ending violence and terrorism during his highly symbolic first visit to the White House.

"Abbas and I share a common goal: Peace in the Holy Land between two free and secure states, Palestine and Israel," said Bush as he stood besides the Palestinian leader in the White House Rose Garden addressing a joint press conference.

"Reaching this goal," he continued, "will require all sides to meet their responsibilities. We made good progress last month at the Red Sea Summit in Aqaba."

"The Government of Israel recognised that Israel's own interests would be served when the Palestinians govern themselves in their own state, a peaceful Democratic state where the forces of terror have been replaced by the rule of law," he said.

"Prime Minister Abbas," said Bush, "is committed to a complete end to violence and terrorism, and he recognised that terror against Israelis, wherever they might be, is a dangerous obstacle to the achievement of a Palestinian state. I committed to both sides that the United States will strive to see that promises, and monitor the parties' progress on this difficult journey."

To meet "the goal we have set", President Bush announced a grant of $ 20 million directly to the Palestinian Authority to improve the lives of ordinary Palestinians.