Chinese president, Jordanian king hold talks

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday held talks with Jordanian King Abdullah II ibn Al-Hussein to promote bilateral cooperation, state-run Xinhua News Agency reported. "China is willing to work with Jordan to deepen bilateral friendship and cooperation," Xi told the Jordanian King in their meeting in Beijing, calling 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, Xi expressed hope that 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, according to the report. Xi also called on the two countries to strengthen defense and security cooperation to combat international terrorism. For his part, King Abdullah II said 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 also welcomes the participation of Chinese companies in Jordan's economic development districts and other areas, he said. The king said Jordan appreciates China's significant role in promoting the Middle East Peace Process and a political settlement for the Syria issue. Xi and King Abdullah II witnessed a ceremony for the signing of bilateral cooperation documents after the talks