Jordan, China set to expand ties at all levels

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Sunday received Chairperson of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference Yu Zhengsheng and an accompanying delegation at the Husseiniya Palace.

King Abdullah said during the talks with Zhengsheng and the delegates, who are currently on an official visit to the Kingdom as part of a regional tour, that the visit would contribute to building on the outcomes of his visit to China in September 2013, a Royal Court statement said.

At the meeting, where the two sides addressed regional and international developments, His Majesty reviewed Jordan’s stances on different issues and efforts to help achieve international peace and security.

King Abdullah also briefed the delegation on his visions in dealing with current challenges, especially fighting terrorism and extremist ideologies that threaten the region and the entire world. 

He underlined the Kingdom’s cooperation and coordination with other regional and international stakeholders to confront terrorist organisations that threaten the peace and stability of the entire region.

On peacemaking in the Middle East, King Abdullah stressed the importance for all international parties, including China as an influential world power, to exert more efforts to achieve a just and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution, which should lead to establishing an independent Palestinian state on its national soil.

His Majesty also highlighted the repercussions of the Israeli violations against Jerusalem and Muslim and Christian holy sites in the holy city, especially Al Aqsa Mosque, warning against the consequences of such acts on the efforts to achieve regional peace, security and stability.

King Abdullah also reviewed with the Chinese delegates developments in the Syrian crisis and its repercussions on neighbouring countries and the entire region, highlighting Jordan’s stance calling for reaching a comprehensive political solution to the crisis that guarantees the unity of the Syrian land and people. 

He also reviewed the increasing pressure the Syrian refugee influx places on Jordan’s already limited resources, commending China’s support to the Kingdom in this regard. 

On bilateral relations, His Majesty stressed Jordan’s commitment to enhancing the partnership with China and expanding ties, especially in the sectors of industry, trade, investment and tourism.

The King also outlined the available investment opportunities in Jordan, citing a stable environment and a unique geographical location that makes the Kingdom a commercial hub and gateway into regional and international markets.

In this regard, the Monarch expressed Jordan’s keenness to benefit from Chinese experience and advanced technology in drilling oil wells, installing pipelines, renewable energy and railways. 

The King also welcomed Chinese companies working in this sector, in a way that increases China’s contribution to such vital projects.

For his part, Zhengsheng expressed his country’s keenness to further develop bilateral ties, which started more than 35 years ago, by increasing trade exchange volume and establishing joint investments.

Zhengsheng said that China, which is also keen on developing bilateral relations with Jordan, sees the Kingdom as a model for a stable and secure country that enjoys a regional and international reputation that helps it attract more investments.

Senate President Abdur-Ra’uf S. Rawabdeh, Royal Court Chief Fayez Tarawneh, King’s Office Director Imad Fakhoury, Chinese Ambassador to Jordan Gao Yusheng and other officials from both countries attended the meeting.

Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour also met on Sunday with Zhengsheng and discussed ways to increase scientific and cultural exchange, and the possibility of establishing a Chinese-Jordanian technical university, in addition to regional and international issues. 

Rawabdeh met separately with Zhengsheng and discussed ways to develop bilateral relations, especially at the parliamentary level, in addition to discussing the latest political developments in the region.

Acting Lower House Speaker Deputy Ahmad Safadi also met with Zhengsheng, and briefed him on the comprehensive reform process the Kingdom is implementing despite all surrounding political and security upheavals in the entire region.