His Majesty King Abdullah II expressed desire for a growing role of China in the Arab world based on the strategic relationship, especially after the launch of the Jordanian-Chinese strategic dialogue.

King Abdullah made his remarks during a summit meeting with Chinese President Hu Jintao at the People's Palace in Beijing on October 30. Before the talks, there was a red-carpet reception for His Majesty the King in the courtyard of the People's Palace. Then the two leaders reviewed the guards of honor.

During the talks, His Majesty said he welcomes a stronger Chinese role in solving problems in the Middle East and achieving stability in light of the credibility it enjoys in the region, stressing appreciation for China's commitment to work for a lasting and just peace in the region.

His Majesty briefed President Hu Jintao on the developments in the peace process, especially the meeting, called for by the United States, which is hoped will be the first step towards establishing an independent Palestinian state. King warned that if peace was not reached in the region on the basis of a Palestinian state living side-by-side with Israel, the Palestinian-Israeli conflict will be more complicated.

The two leaders also discussed the situation in Iraq and Lebanon where they stressed keenness on the unity of Iraq.

His Majesty expressed appreciation for the economic assistance provided by China to Jordan, adding that he will witness the signing of several economic agreements between representatives of the private sector in the two countries on Wednesday in Shanghai.

For his part, the Chinese President said that the visit of His Majesty the King will give a strong impetus to the bilateral relations especially as it coincides with the 30th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between the two countries.

President Jintao underlined his country's readiness to work with Jordan to enhance its nuclear program for peaceful purposes, calling for further development of cultural, educational and sports cooperation.

As for the political domain, the Chinese President said that China is working very clear to reach a lasting, comprehensive and just solution according to the international legitimacy resolutions, and since achieving peace in the Middle East is a priority for China's foreign policy, China supports the Jordanian stand which calls to find a just solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict since this conflict is the core issue in the region.

Chinese President invited King Abdullah and Queen Rania Al-Abdullah to visit Beijing to attend the Olympic Games which will be held next year in China.

Foreign Minister Abdul Ilah Khatib and his Chinese counterpart Yang Jietchi launched today the first round of the strategic dialogue after signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in this regard last December. The MoU aims to lift the Jordanian-Chinese relations to a new level.

Al Khatib told Jordan News Agency /Petra/ that launching this dialogue reflects the awareness of His Majesty King Abdullah II of the growing role of China on the international arena.

At the end of the talks, the two leaders witnessed the signing of agreements to enhance cooperation between the two countries.

Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Suhair Al Ali and Chinese Deputy Minister of Commerce Wei Jianguo signed an executive program for cultural cooperation between the two countries for the next three years 2007-2010 in addition to a grant agreement on economic and technical cooperation at the value of 50 million Yuan ($6.67 million).

Al Ali told Petra that these agreements aim at strengthening the already close ties between the two countries.

Minister of Education and Higher Education and Scientific Research Dr. Khalid Touqan signed a MoU with Governor of the Atomic Energy Authority in China Sun Kin for cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

Moreover, Minister of Industry and Trade Salem Al Khazaaleh signed another MoU with assistant governor of the China Development Bank Zhao Jiangping on behalf of the Jordan Investment Board and the China Development Bank on ways of working together to facilitate cooperation between Jordanian and Chinese companies with the aim of transferring capital investments and technical knowledge between the two countries.

(News From Petra News Agency)