His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday expressed hope that China would play a larger role in the Arab world.
The King said at a meeting with Chinese President Hu Jintao that such a role would be further facilitated after the launch of a “Mechanism of Dialogue”, which he said is an important step for the development of bilateral relations.
Jordan and China launched the first stage of this “Mechanism of Dialogue” in December 2006. The initiative seeks to promote political, economic, cultural, defence and security relations between the two countries.
His Majesty also highlighted China's central role in resolving Middle East conflicts and fostering its stability.
The King said he welcomed a more active Chinese role in resolving conflicts and achieving stability in the region - in the same manner the Asian country is working to achieve stability in Darfur and Lebanon, highlighting in this context China's credibility in the region as an honest broker.
The King also stressed his appreciation of China's commitment to working towards viable and just peace in the region.
King Abdullah also briefed President Hu on the latest developments in the Middle East peace process.
The King pointed out that the upcoming Annapolis meeting that the US called for is hoped to provide an opportunity towards setting up an independent Palestinian state.
King Abdullah warned that unless regional peace is achieved, on the basis of a two-state solution, the Palestinian-Israeli conflict would become more complicated.
The King also expressed appreciation for China's economic assistance to Jordan.
Hu said King Abdullah's visit to China would boost bilateral relations, especially since it coincides with the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Jordan and China.
He also expressed China's readiness to work with Jordan to boost its nuclear programme for peaceful purposes, calling also for promoting cultural exchange and cooperation in the fields of sports and education.
Regarding the peace issue, he said that China is working for a viable, comprehensive and just solution to the Middle East conflict, in accordance with international resolutions. He stressed that achieving peace in the Middle East is one of China's foreign policy priorities.
Therefore, he said, China supports Jordan's position calling for a just solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
In a speech delivered at Peking University yesterday, His Majesty said China and the Arab world are central to the resolution of the most important 21st century issues, including the stability of the world economy, global peace and security and the future of intercultural understanding and cooperation.
King Andullah stressed that there is no partnership that is more important or multidimensional than that between China and the Arab world.
Outlining the two major problems facing the Arab world, the King underlined the need to end conflict and expand development.
His Majesty said China can play an important role in supporting this process, both as a world power and a respected and trusted Asian neighbor.
Regarding China's contribution to Arab development, the King told his audience that the Asian giant is already playing an important role, “as model, supporter, and partner”.
Also Tuesday, the King and President Hu attended the signing of several agreements, boosting cooperation between the two countries.
Among the agreements signed is a 50 million yuan economic and technical cooperation grant for 2007-2010.
The two countries also signed an executive programme on cultural cooperation for the three coming years.