Jordan Times
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
King urges more active Chinese role in region
BEIJING (Petra) - His Majesty King Abdullah on
Tuesday expressed hope that China would play a larger role in the Arab world.
He said at a meeting with Chinese President Hu Jintao that such a role would be
further facilitated after the launch of a “Mechanism of Dialogue”, which he said
is an important step for the development of bilateral relations.
Jordan and China launched the first stage of this “Mechanism of Dialogue” in
December 2006. The initiative seeks to promote political, economic, cultural,
defence and security relations between the two countries.
His Majesty also highlighted China’s central role in resolving Middle East
conflicts and fostering its stability.
The King said he welcomed a more active Chinese role in resolving conflicts and
achieving stability in the region - in the same manner the Asian country is
working to achieve stability in Darfur and Lebanon, highlighting in this context
China’s credibility in the region as an honest broker.
He also stressed his appreciation of China’s commitment to working towards
viable and just peace in the region.
King Abdullah also briefed President Hu on the latest developments in the Middle
East peace process.
He pointed out that the upcoming Annapolis meeting that the US called for is
hoped to provide an opportunity towards setting up an independent Palestinian
state.
The King warned that unless regional peace is achieved, on the basis of a
two-state solution, the Palestinian-Israeli conflict would become more
complicated.
The Monarch also expressed appreciation for China’s economic assistance to
Jordan.
Hu said King Abdullah’s visit to China would boost bilateral relations,
especially since it coincides with the 30th anniversary of the establishment of
diplomatic ties between Jordan and China.
He also expressed China’s readiness to work with Jordan to boost its nuclear
programme for peaceful purposes, calling also for promoting cultural exchange
and cooperation in the fields of sports and education.
Regarding the peace issue, he said that China is working for a viable,
comprehensive and just solution to the Middle East conflict, in accordance with
international resolutions. He stressed that achieving peace in the Middle East
is one of China’s foreign policy priorities.
Therefore, he said, China supports Jordan’s position calling for a just solution
to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
China and Arab world
In a speech delivered at Peking University yesterday, His Majesty said China and
the Arab world are central to the resolution of the most important 21st century
issues, including the stability of the world economy, global peace and security
and 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,” he said.
He stressed that there is no partnership that is more important or
multidimensional than that between China and the Arab world.
Outlining the two major problems facing the Arab world, King Abdullah underlined
the need to end conflict and expand development.
He said China can play an important role in supporting this process, both as a
world power and a respected and trusted Asian neighbour.
Regarding China’s contribution to Arab development, the Monarch told his
audience that the Asian giant is already playing an important role, “as model,
supporter, and partner”.
Agreements signed
Also Tuesday, the King and President Hu attended the signing of several
agreements, boosting cooperation between the two countries.
Among the agreements signed is a 50 million yuan economic and technical
cooperation grant for 2007-2010.
The two countries also signed an executive programme on cultural cooperation for
the three coming years.
They also signed an exchange of letters to finance a housing project for
limited-income segments in three governorates: Zarqa, Balqa and Mafraq, and two
memoranda of understanding.
The first is on cooperation regarding the use of nuclear energy for peaceful
purposes while the second, signed by the Jordan Investment Board and China
Development Bank, is to ensure cooperation between Jordanian and Chinese
companies to facilitate the transfer of capital, investments and know-how.