Wu Bangguo, chairman of China's National People's Congress Standing Committee, said in Beijing Tuesday that China appreciates Jordanian leaders and government's firm stance on one-China policy.

At a meeting with Zaid Al Rifaee, president of Jordan's Senate, Wu said "Jordan is an important country with special influence on the Middle East. China-Jordan friendly cooperation has been progressing steadily since they established diplomatic relations in 1977."

King of Jordan Abdullah II Bin Al-Hussein paid a state visit to China in July this year, which was also his third visit to the country in five consecutive years.

Wu said China attaches great importance to its relations with Jordan, hoping the two countries will continue to maintain high-level exchanges, promote cooperation in various fields and strengthen consultations and coordination in international and regional affairs.

The top Chinese legislator said China's NPC will continue its friendly exchanges in legislation and supervision with Jordan's Senate so as to give new impetus to the enhancement of bilateral relations and cooperation.

Rifaee said Jordan's King, parliament and government all believe that there is only one China in the world.

Jordan's adherence to the one-China policy is clear-cut, said Rifaee.

Rifaee said Jordan and China enjoy close relations although they are far apart from each other.

He thanked China for its political support for and economic assistance to Jordan, saying that Jordan is willing to deepen its relationship with China in various fields and the two countries will make concerted efforts to bring substantial benefits to their people, he said.

(Xinhua News Agency November 24, 2004)