U.S. President George W. Bush said Sunday that he remains "personally committed" to the Middle East peace process by creating a Palestinian state living side by side with Israel.

"I remain personally committed to implementing my vision of two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security," Bush said in a statement.

"The broad attendance at this conference by regional states and other key international participants demonstrates the international resolve to seize this important opportunity to advance freedom and peace in the Middle East," the statement said.

"This conference will signal international support for the Israelis' and Palestinians' intention to commence negotiations on the establishment of a Palestinian state and the realization of peace between these two peoples," the statement said.

Bush made the statement ahead of the upcoming Middle East peace conference due in Annapolis, Maryland.

The Middle East peace process has been stalled by conflicts between Israel and the Palestinians as well as the internal strives inside Palestinian factions.

Editor: Donald