Jordan Times
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
King, Hu seek closer ties
BEIJING (Agencies) — His Majesty King Abdullah on
Monday said Jordan was keen to enhance ties with China, which “enjoys
considerable political weight and a unique economic experience.”
King Abdullah made the remarks during talks here with Chinese President Hu
Jintao on regional developments and bilateral relations.
On the Middle East conflict, the King and Hu said Israel should withdraw from
the Palestinian land, stressing that establishing an independent Palestinian
state is the only chance for the peace process to succeed. King Abdullah
highlighted support by China, a permanent member of the UN Security Council, for
the peace process and the implementation of the roadmap.
The two leaders, meanwhile, called for accelerating the political process in
Iraq, saying that the country's political spectra should take part in the
December 15 legislative polls. Such a wide participation, they agreed, would
pave the way for building up a stable Iraq — positively reflecting on regional
security and stability.
For his part, Hu said the UN should play a greater role in Iraq, expressing
appreciation for Jordan's cooperation with China in its efforts to help rebuild
the violence-hit country.
Appearing with Hu at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, King Abdullah was
quoted by the Associated Press as saying that he was committed to strengthening
Jordan's traditionally warm ties with Beijing.
“China has played such a vital role in our region, whether it's a role in the
peace process or trying to bring stability to Iraq,” King Abdullah said. “We
hope that its role continues to grow and strengthen.”
On the economic relations, Hu said the Chinese government has encouraged local
companies to increase their imports of Jordanian potash and expand their
investments in the Kingdom's QIZs.
The president also said Chinese experts will help Jordan utilise its vast
reserves of shale oil as an alternative source of energy.
King Abdullah called for a new cooperation protocol between the two countries in
all areas.
Officials from both countries on Monday signed two grant agreements, under which
China supports cooperation on economic, technical and training fields. They also
signed a labour agreement.
Earlier, the King visited the Tiananmen Square in central Beijing, where he laid
a wreath on the Monument to the People's Heroes.
Also yesterday, King Abdullah met with the president and members of the Chinese
Muslim Society, which represent 20 million Muslims in this Asian country.
He also briefed them on the Amman Message and the results of the international
conference, in which top Muslim clerics representing the eight schools of
Islamic jurisprudence took part.