Senate committee, Chinese officials discuss bilateral relations, investment opportunities

AMMAN — A delegation from the Senate’s Jordanian-Chinese Friendship Committee on Monday visited China to discuss the relations between the two countries in political, economic, cultural and social fields.

The delegation, headed by Senator Issa Murad, praised the strong ties established by His Majesty King Abdullah and Chinese President Xi Jinping, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

Murad highlighted the alignment of political stances on Middle Eastern issues, including the Palestinian cause, the war on Gaza, the Hashemite custodianship of Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, and the preservation of these sites' historical and international heritage.

Murad also emphasised the significance of Chinese investments in Jordan and their positive impact on various sectors such as energy, industry, and services, noting that some 25 per cent of the Kingdom’s imports come from China.

The delegation members also stressed the need for the visit to coordinate policies, interconnect economic establishments, business continuity, free investment flow and enhance cooperation in technology, knowledge exchange and student exchanges, as well as leverage the Belt and Road Initiative to boost relations and cooperation with participating countries.

Proposed by the Chinese president in 2013, the Belt and Road Initiative is based on the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits. Its core concept is to enhance connectivity in policy, infrastructure, trade, finance, and people-to-people bonds, aiming to bring significant development opportunities to countries worldwide.

The delegation also acknowledged China's active and influential role in regional issues, especially the Palestinian cause, and Beijing support for a two-state solution based on international legitimacy and an end to the war on Gaza.

The delegation held three separate meetings, attended by Jordanian Ambassador to Beijing Hussam Husseini.