Jordan Times
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Jordan seeks stronger partnership with China
BEIJING (Petra) - His Majesty King Abdullah said
on Wednesday Jordan seeks strategic partnership with China at the bilateral
level, and with respect to cooperation to address regional and international
issues.
During a meeting with Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao, the King said it was
significant to exert efforts to entrench developing ties between the two
countries and diversify cooperation to include the transfer of knowledge and
technology to Jordan.
King Abdullah underscored the need to further develop ties between the two
countries, commending the “Mechanism of Dialogue”, as a crucial step in that
direction.
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.
The King told Wen that Jordan welcomes an active role by China, proportionate to
its strategic weight, in the Middle East to bring about stability.
He noted that China is held in high esteem in the region, highlighting its
ability to play the role of a key strategic partner that supports the economies
of developing countries.
King Abdullah also called for increasing cooperation between Amman and Beijing
regarding cultural and educational programmes aimed to extend bridges between
Chinese civilisation and culture and that of the Arab world. He pinpointed the
role of the intellectual institutions in this regard, urging reciprocal
translation of Arabic and Chinese cultural works that reflect the things in
common between the two civilisations.
His Majesty and Wen also exchanged views on promoting investments in both
countries, encouraging Chinese companies working in Jordan and supporting
Jordanian firms operating in China.
The Chinese prime minister said his country is keen on increasing the number of
Chinese companies investing in the Kingdom, which, he said, has succeeded in
creating an inviting investment climate.
The Chinese premier said his country wants to expand its commercial ties with
the Kingdom, increase its imports from Jordan and further facilitate Jordanian
investments in China.
On politics, Wen said China considers Jordan a key player in the region, saying
that Jordan and China share similar viewpoints towards Middle East issues,
especially the Palestinian problem, which he described as one of China's
"foreign policy’s priorities".
He stressed China’s approach towards the Mideast conflict is based on the
land-for-peace principle, and utilising its good ties with the Palestinians and
Israelis.
Also yesterday, during a lunch banquet held by Jordan's Ambassador to China
Anmar Hmoud, King Abdullah said the Jordanian and Chinese people, who share
historical bonds in the fields of commerce, scientific and diplomatic
activities, also share a joint vision and willingness to build a strong future
of prosperity, economic opportunity and security.
These goals, King Abdullah said, are the drive for reforms and development in
both countries, adding that no country would be able to realise progress in
isolation from other countries, especially when it comes to economic progress.
The King also called for harmony while the two countries are working to achieve
goals of international reach, such as fighting terrorism and solving conflicts.
Also yesterday, King Abdullah, accompanied by Chairman of the Joint
Chiefs-of-Staff General Khaled Sarayreh, visited the China National
Aero-Technology Import and Export Corporation (CATIC) exhibition where he was
briefed on China's experience in the field of military industries, especially in
the field of aviation.