China, Jordan keen to boost cooperation

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi speaks during a joint news conference with his Jordanian counterpart Ayman Safadi in Amman, Jordan June 22, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]

AMMAN - Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday that China was keen to boost ties with Jordan in various areas.

At a press conference in Amman with his Jordanian counterpart Ayman Safadi, the Chinese official said there is large room for more cooperation in areas of trade, economy and culture.

Referring to a visit by King Abdullah II of Jordan to China in 2015, he said the number of Chinese tourists travelling to Jordan has since kept rising.

He added that there was increased cooperation between China and Jordan in areas of energy, infrastructure and transport.

He also said China will continue to provide aid to Jordan to help relieve the pressure the Syrian refugees impose on the kingdom.

Wang also stressed the need for a political solution to the Palestinian issue.

The Chinese foreign minister also called for intensified cooperation in combating terrorism.

Moreover, Wang said China is working seriously to find partnerships for development in the region.

For his part, Safadi said Jordan was working with all players including China to end the conflict in Syria.

China is Jordan's second largest trading partner, and the two countries are working to explore new areas for collaboration, he added.