Jordan's King Abdullah II has praised China for its rapid pace
of development, saying he appreciates the changes and pace of
progress China has experienced in recent years.
The king made the remarks in an exclusive interview with Xinhua
prior to his four-day state visit to China, which will kick off on
October 29.
He told Xinhua that the "discipline and focus with which China
has pursued development are very much admired in my part of the
world."
Being a development model to many in the Middle East, China's
voice is highly respected in the region and the role China plays in
advancing peace and security in the region and beyond is highly
valued, said the king.
Talking on bilateral relations between Jordan and China, King
Abdullah said the relations have gained momentum in recent years
and become warmer and deeper in almost every aspects.
He said, "We in Jordan are very pleased that, in recent years
especially, our ties have grown warmer and deeper in nearly every
field," adding that China is one of Jordan's most important
development partners.
Abdullah will pay a state visit to China from October 29 to
November 1, the fifth of its kind since he ascended the throne in
1999, which he thinks "is going to result in a couple of new
agreements that reflect the momentum in our relationship."
The Jordan Investment Board and the China Development Bank will
respectively open an office in Beijing and Jordan, he noted, adding
"this reflects the scope of potential for cooperation in many, many
fields, especially among our respective private sectors."
China and Jordan also share some fundamental values when it
comes to issues of security, especially anti-terrorism fight and
concerns about nuclear weapons proliferation, Abdullah said.
"So I fundamentally believe that there are bridgeheads to a much
more comprehensive relationship between Jordan and China and, in
fact, a broader strategic relationship between the Arab world and
China," he said.
The king voiced his hope that he could discuss with Chinese
President Hu Jintao on the importance of focusing on the creation
of a strategic relationship between China, Jordan and the wider
Middle East.
"We are living in a moment where building extensive
international partnership is critical for developing countries to
succeed in their efforts, and I see tremendous scope for us to work
together for the benefit of our respective development efforts and
for our mutual security," he said.
According to the king, Jordan and China will celebrate their
30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations
during his visit to China. "This is a milestone year in our
relationship," he said.
Bilateral ties have been developing smoothly since China and
Jordan established diplomatic relations in 1977 and the two sides
have enjoyed fruitful cooperation in economy, trade, culture, and
tourism.
China is currently Jordan's third largest foreign trade partner,
with bilateral business transactions reaching US$1.031 billion in
2006.
(Xinhua News Agency October 29, 2007)
