Chinese president, Jordanian king hold talks

Chinese President Xi Jinping holds a welcome ceremony for Jordanian King Abdullah II before their talks at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Sept 18, 2013. [Photo/Xinhua]

BEIJING - Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday held talks with visiting Jordanian King Abdullah II ibn Al-Hussein to promote bilateral cooperation.

As a country with a unique position and significant impact in the Middle East, Jordan has long been committed to promoting regional peace, stability and development, President Xi said, adding that the country is China's good friend and partner.

China is willing to work with Jordan to deepen bilateral friendship and cooperation, President Xi said.

He called on the two sides to continue to support each other on issues concerning core interests, maintain communication on major international and regional affairs as well as enhance political mutual trust.

In economics, President Xi hoped the two sides will expand the scale of bilateral trade and investment as well as upgrade the level of cooperation between China and Middle East countries.

President Xi also called on the two countries to strengthen defense and security cooperation to combat international terrorism.

The president said that China calls for respect for the diversity of civilizations and hopes the two countries will enhance cultural and people-to-people exchanges and promote common development of different religions and civilizations.

King Abdullah II said that Jordan admires China's great achievements in development and believes that the Communist Party of China will lead the Chinese people to continuously achieve its aims of national rejuvenation.

Jordan appreciates China's long-term support, the king said, stressing that Jordan sees China as a long-term strategic partner and is ready to expand bilateral cooperation in economic, trade, electricity, energy, telecommunications, railway infrastructure, health care and other fields.

Jordan welcomes the participation of Chinese companies in Jordan's economic development districts and other areas, he said, adding that the country will actively participate in the China-Arab States Expo.

The king said that Jordan is willing to strengthen security and law enforcement cooperation with China and jointly protect the safety of Chinese citizens and companies.

Jordan is also willing to enhance cultural exchange with China and promote friendly communication between the Islamic world and China, he said.

Jordan appreciates China's significant role in promoting the Middle East Peace Process and a political settlement for the Syria issue, the king said, noting that Jordan is ready to work with China to promote regional peace, stability and development.

President Xi and King Abdullah II witnessed a ceremony for the signing of bilateral cooperation documents after the talks.