LONDON - British Prime Minister David Cameron on Monday met visiting Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in London and reiterated support for a "two-state solution" between Palestine and Israel.

Cameron said Britain is "passionate" to see a two-state solution come about.

"We believe the peace talks that have begun in Jordan do provide an opportunity, an opportunity we hope that both sides will pursue. We think this is absolutely vital," Cameron said during the meeting at 10 Downing Street in central London.

Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron (R) speaks with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas prior to their meeting at his official residence at 10 Downing Street in central London January 16, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]

He said the time is "running out" for the two-state solution in some ways, because "otherwise the facts on the ground will make it more and more difficult," referring to the Israeli settlement issue.

"We will do everything we can to help promote these discussions," the prime minister added.

Abbas, who is also due to visit Berlin and Moscow, thanked Cameron for his support, and voiced optimism and hope for "tangible" results of the negotiations.

However, he said "time is of the essence in the talks, and the settlements "have to stop in order for us to be able to continue our negotiations."

He said Britain could play a political role which is of great importance because it has "a very balanced relationship" towards Israel and the Palestinian Authority.

On January 3, Jordan hosted a meeting on reviving the stalled Israeli-Palestinian peace talks. The meeting was attended by Israeli and Palestinian officials as well as representatives of the mediating Quartet, which comprises the United Nations, the European Union, the United States and Russia.