In a joint communique signed here by Chinese President Jiang Zemin and visiting Jordanian King Abdullah II Bin Al-Hussein this afternoon, the two countries agreed to increase dialogue and governmental and non-governmental contacts to promote mutual understanding for better ties.

King Abdullah II is on a state visit to China which runs from December 6 to 8.

According to the joint communique, President Jiang and King Abdullah II discussed Sino-Jordanian relations and international and regional issues of mutual concern.

The communique states that both China and Jordan believe that further developing friendship and bilateral cooperation is in the long term interests of both countries and is also conducive to regional and world peace.

In order to promote mutual understanding and friendship, both countries agree to strengthen dialogue and high-level exchanges and support contacts between government departments, parliaments as well as official and unofficial organizations.

Both countries believe that it is imperative to improve the work of the China-Jordan economic, trade and technological joint committee so that it can play a more effective role in promoting bilateral cooperation in political, economic and technological fields.

Bilateral economic cooperation and exchanges constitute an important part of Sino-Jordanian relations, it says. Both countries will support their companies and enterprises to establish direct ties for expanding trade and economic cooperation.

The two countries will also continue to promote exchanges and cooperation in cultural, arts, health and other fields, according to the communique.

President Jiang and King Abdullah II have reviewed the latest developments in the Middle East peace process and welcome the Sharm El Sheikh deal reached between Palestine and Israel on the implementation of the Wye Agreement, says the communique.

China and Jordan express pleasure over final negotiations between Palestine and Israel, and hope that an agreement will eventually be reached for a peaceful and satisfactory settlement of their disputes, it says.

China and Jordan emphasize the importance of the Jerusalem issue and state that any unilateral action that affects the final status negotiations must be avoided.

The two countries appeal for the resumption of peace talks between Syria and Israel as well as between Lebanon and Israel so as to achieve comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on UN resolutions, in particular Resolutions 242, 338 and 425 passed by the Security Council, and to ensure the right of all parties concerned, including the right of the Palestinian people to establish an independent state on their own territory, as well as to guarantee security and stability in the region.

China and Jordan stress that realizing a comprehensive and just settlement of the Middle East issue at an early date is in the fundamental interest of the peoples of nations in the region and will also benefit world peace and development, says the communique.

It says that the Chinese side appreciates Jordan's efforts, under the leadership of King Abdullah II, to promote regional peace, safeguard its security and stability, improve economic and social development, and raise the Jordanian people's standard of living.

The two sides also emphasize their willingness to increase consultations and strengthen coordination over the Middle East issue, and work together for achieving peace there as early as possible.

Both sides have discussed the current political situation in Iraq, express sympathy for sufferings of the Iraqi people and call on the international community to find an early solution to breaking the deadlock on the Iraq issue, so as to bring an end to the misery of the Iraqi people and ensure complete and earnest implementation of all relevant UN resolutions.

They also stress the importance of respect for Iraq's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The Jordanian side congratulates China on resuming the exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong as well as Macao's impending return to its motherland in accordance with the "one country, two systems " principle.

The Jordanian side reiterates the principles enshrined in the Memorandum of Understanding and Joint Communique on the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, namely, the government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the entire Chinese people and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China. The Chinese side expresses its appreciation for the stand.

King Abdullah II thanked President Jiang Zemin for his hospitality and the friendly atmosphere for their talks. The King has invited Jiang to visit Jordan which Jiang has accepted with pleasure. (Xinhua)