Li Peng, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, said on December 7 that China is willing to cooperate with Jordan in the Middle East peace process for achieving lasting peace in the region. Li made the remarks in a meeting with visiting Jordanian King Abdullah II.

Li told King Abdullah II that he had further understanding of latest developments in the Middle East through talks and discussions with top leaders of the two countries.

The long-standing conflict between Arab countries and Israel has brought untold sufferings and losses to peoples in the region, and the Arab people in particular. It has also hampered economic development in countries in the Middle East and posed a threat to world peace and stability, Li said.

China supports the peace process in the region, Li said, adding that China has always believed that the solution to the problem should be in line with relevant UN resolutions and the principle of "land-for-peace."

Li described Jordan as an important and influential nation in the region who advocates to resolve disputes through peace talks. He also highly spoke of King Abdullah II's efforts in promoting peace talks since he became King of Jordan.

Li, who visited Jordan in 1991, praised King Abdullah II as an old friend of China and expressed his belief that the King's visit will actively push forward Sino-Jordanian relations.

King Abdullah II recalled his talks with Chinese President Jiang Zemin on Monday as "friendly, frank and in-depth" and as a new chapter in Jordan-China relations.

He highly praised China's role in maintaining stability in the Middle East and said he hopes that China, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, will continue to assert its influence in promoting the Middle East peace process.

On bilateral relations, Li said that since China and Jordan forged diplomatic ties in 1997, both countries have witnessed new levels of cooperation. In international affairs, the two countries also support each other, he said.

"China cherishes its traditional friendship with Jordan and is ready to strengthen contacts and expand cooperation to bring about long term, friendly relations in the next century," Li said.

King Abdullah agreed with Li and invited Li to visit Jordan again.