China is willing to increase bilateral cooperation with Jordan on the basis of mutual benefit and hopes that entrepreneurs of both countries will strengthen contacts and explore new ways to realize the goal, Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji said on December 7.

At a meeting with visiting Jordanian King Abdullah II Bin Al- Hussein here this afternoon, Zhu said that both China and Jordan are striving for economic development and the two could learn from each other in many areas.

Especially in bilateral economic cooperation there are great potential and broad prospects, he said.

Zhu said that the king has contributed a lot to the growth of Sino-Jordanian relations and the current visit will further promote the friendly ties.

King Abdullah II told Zhu that his present China tour has been a success and achieved the expected goal.

Zhu said that China values its ties with Jordan, and bilateral relations in politics, economy, culture and other fields have had sound development since the two forged diplomatic ties 22 years ago.

China and Jordan have supported each other in international affairs through effective coordination and cooperation, he said, adding that China appreciates the "one China" position adhered by Jordan and is confident that Jordan will continue to support China 's reunification cause.

The king said that Jordan and China have close ties and bilateral cooperation in political and other fields is satisfactory. He cited China's important contribution to the Middle East peace process.

He said that he would continue to stick to the "one China" policy.

The king said he is optimistic about the prospects of Jordan- China economic cooperation, hoping that the economic cooperation between China and the Middle East countries would be further enhanced.

He also expressed the hope that the Jordan-China relations would serve as a model for ties between Asian and Middle East countries.