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)