His Majesty King Abdullah II
Remarks by His Majesty
King Abdullah II
Peking University
October 30, 2007
Beijing, China
Bismillah ar-Rahman ar-Rahim;
Thank you. President Xu, Assistant President Li please accept my deepest
appreciation to you for hosting me today. It is a special honour to be with you
at a time when our countries celebrate 30 years of partnership.
In fact, our relations extend to the middle of the fourteenth century when Ibn
Batuta travelled to China. A hundred years later, the famous Chinese Muslim
admiral, Zheng He reached the Arabian Peninsula and sent pilgrims to Mecca.
Although no enduring opening between our two worlds followed these expeditions,
the seeds of exchange and friendship were planted then. Today, we mark a joint
determination, a shared interest, and a common agenda in expanding this
partnership.
My friends,
China and the Arab World are central to the resolution of the most important
21st Century issues: from the stability of the world economy, to global peace
and security, to the future of intercultural understanding and cooperation. We
seek to safeguard our people from the violence of war and the threat of
terrorism; to grow our economies and create new prosperity; to access and
increase knowledge and enjoy its benefits; to build our societies, and offer
hope to our young people.
Clearly, in this globalized age, we cannot achieve these aims in isolation. We
must work together. And no partnership is more important or multi-dimensional
than that between China and the Arab World.
Jordan is at the centre of one of the world’s most strategic areas. Our region
stands at the nexus of continents. But stability, peace and progress, remain
under assault, by a legacy of poverty and conflict. Meeting these challenges, in
our region, can help advance important global interests, including those of
China.
In turn, we in the Arab World are deeply interested in China’s success. We look
to your country as a model of effective development and a leader in
international affairs. We recognize China’s decisive voice in peacemaking and
international cooperation, through your permanent seat on the UN Security
Council, and other global roles. We value your intellectual and cultural wealth,
and your commitment to the development of nations large and small. And we need
your economic partnership – through trade and investment.
These are the reasons that I see a major role for China in the future of the
Middle East, and a growing partnership worldwide. Working together, we can speed
the resolution of regional conflicts, avoid future threats, and contribute to
global political and economic stability.
Let me address two critical areas, the ending of conflict and the expansion of
development.
The long and destructive conflict between Israelis and Palestinians is at the
core of regional instability and a concern of Muslims worldwide. Palestinians
have waited for global justice and a homeland for almost 60 years. It is time
for peace. Earlier this year, the Arab countries reaffirmed the historic
initiative they agreed on, in 2002, with provisions for a just, comprehensive
and lasting settlement. Jordan has taken a leading role in advocating movement
towards restarting the peace process and establishing a Palestinian state on the
basis of the Arab Peace Initiative.
Today we have a significant opportunity to advance the peace process for the
first time in many years as we prepare for the international meeting later this
year. We need to ensure that such an opportunity delivers an outcome that brings
the parties closer to a two-state solution. The breakthroughs that can be
achieved will also lead to progress in resolving the wider Arab-Israel conflict.
China can play an important role in supporting this process, both as a world
power and a respected and trusted Asian neighbour. We appreciate the steps China
has already taken, including naming a Special Envoy on the Middle East. And we
view with admiration the role of Chinese observers in Lebanon and its commitment
to a presence in Darfur under the United Nations.
A second key area of common cause between our nations is development. Despite
the region’s oil wealth, most countries in the Middle East are still developing
nations. We must move forward if we are to meet the needs of our people –
especially our youth. Like you, we seek a path of growth, and like you, we are
committed to reform and innovation. We have made it a priority to pursue growth
policies, with major programs in education and training.
China is already playing an important role, as model, supporter, and partner.
Jordan and its people are very grateful for the assistance and support China has
provided us through the past years. We also give much importance to our trade
and investment relations.
Just last month, Queen Rania visited China to discuss common initiatives in
education, women’s empowerment, and health. More and more students from Jordan
are studying in China, and our scholars enjoy meaningful exchanges. Cultural
exchange is strengthening and enriching our understanding of each other.
During the next two days of my visit, Jordanian officials and business leaders
will sign with their Chinese counterparts in Beijing and Shanghai agreements for
cooperation that cover a variety of areas, ranging from nuclear energy, to
cultural and educational exchange, especially between our universities. The
China Development Bank will establish an office in Jordan and the Jordan
Investment Board will also establish presence in China.
My friends,
Historically, China led the world’s economies. Experts tell us that, for almost
two thousand years, your country generated between a quarter and a third of
global GDP. The development challenges our countries face now, are the legacy of
only a few hundred years. Today, we must remember that our path forward is not
creating a new reality – it is reasserting our peoples’ rightful role in global
progress.
Next year the Olympics will bring your country’s people and achievements before
the entire world. This extraordinary event is in keeping with your country’s
great past and growing international presence.
I hope that our partnership will grow as well. The Arab countries and China have
a long legacy of global leadership. I believe that working together effectively;
we can create a future worthy of this heritage – one that will stretch from the
Four Seas to the Red Sea and beyond.
Thank you very much.