Chinese visiting Defense Minister Chi Haotian met with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mahammad Malkawi of the Jordanian armed forces to discuss bilateral relations and international issues of common concern.

　 Malkawi said that he was delighted at greeting the high-level Chinese military delegation, and that Chi's visit marked a new step in the development of military relations between the two countries.

　 The Jordanian military hoped to strengthen friendly and cooperative ties with its Chinese counterpart, which had built up its own characteristics of national defense, he added.

　 He thanked China for its constant support for the freedom, independence and economic development of developing countries, for the liberation process of the Arab world as well as its assistance to Jordan and other Arab countries.

　 For his part, Chi, also a state councillor and vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, expressed his appreciation for Jordan`s role in actively promoting the Middle East peace process.

　 He said China stands for a just, lasting and comprehensive peace based on United Nations resolutions and the "land for peace" principle, and China welcomes the positive developments emerging in the region.

　 On bilateral military ties, Chi said the two countries had kept the momentum of friendly cooperation by exchange of visits, and he hoped the relationship would be further strengthened.

　 Chi is to meet Jordanian Prime and Defense Minister Abdul Rauf Rawabdeh later Saturday before he meets with King Abdullah Bin Hussein on Sunday.

　 Heading a 17-member delegation, Chi arrived here on Friday, the third leg of his four-nation Middle East tour. He had visited Syria and Israel, and will travel on to Turkey.