His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday said agreements signed between Jordan and China constitute a new chapter in Sino-Jordanian ties, stressing that he welcomes a larger Chinese role in the Middle East and Africa due to its balanced position on regional issues.
The King made the remarks at a meeting Wednesday with Chinese President Hu Jintao, where the two leaders held talks on means to bolster bilateral ties, developments in the Middle East and efforts to bring about peace and stability in the region, in addition to issues of mutual concern.
In the presence of the two leaders, Jordanian and Chinese officials Wednesday signed five agreements, protocols and memoranda of understanding that seek to bolster and cement bilateral strategic relations.
Among these is a memorandum of understanding on uranium extraction and development techniques and a protocol of cooperation between the Jordan Atomic Energy Commission (JAEC) and its Chinese counterpart on the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
Another agreement was signed between the JAEC and China's New Energy Administration on nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, in addition to an economic and technical cooperation accord and a memorandum of understanding between the Royal Scientific Society and the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
During the meeting, the two leaders voiced satisfaction over the advanced level of bilateral ties, stressing their commitment to cement ties in various fields, especially in the spheres of economy, commerce, investment and energy.
King Abdullah said Sino-Jordanian ties will be strengthened by the signing of several cooperation agreements, noting that the deal on uranium extraction is an important opportunity for the Kingdom and is one of its top priorities.
In this regard, the King referred to several infrastructure projects in which Chinese companies can participate.
Voicing Jordan's appreciation for continued Chinese support, including its recent grants to the Kingdom, King Abdullah said this support assists in the implementation of development programmes in various sectors that help improve the national economy and achieve further prosperity.
The King also congratulated the Chinese president on the success of the Olympic Games, which China hosted last month.
In addition, His Majesty highlighted China's important role in supporting peace efforts in the region and its efforts to help end the Israeli occupation and create an independent Palestinian state on Palestinian land.
King Abdullah said he welcomed a larger role by China in the Middle East and Africa due to its balanced positions regarding issues in the region.
Expressing appreciation for the King's efforts to strengthen bilateral ties, Hu said China is ready to provide Jordan with expertise in the science, technology and alternative energy sectors.
Also Wednesday, King Abdullah held talks with Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao on means to develop bilateral ties in different fields.
The King, who expressed appreciation for Wen's efforts to develop China's relations with Jordan, emphasised the need to accelerate bilateral cooperation.
He said China's participation in implementing several key projects in Jordan, especially in the infrastructure, transport and renewable energy sectors, will be fundamental in building cooperative ties between the private sectors of both countries.
At the meeting, King Abdullah said Jordan look forward to benefiting from Chinese investments in the fields of advanced technology, expressing hope for further cooperation in this regard.
Wen said Sino-Jordanian ties are a model, noting that his country is looking forward to enhancing cooperation in investment and commerce, among other fields.