During a meeting with Speaker of Jordanian House of Representatives Abdul Hadi Majali, Hu said leaders and members of the two legislative bodies played an indispensable role in the sustainable development of friendly and cooperative ties between the two countries.

He encouraged more Jordanian lawmakers to visit China to help lay a more solid foundation for the development of the Sino-Jordanian ties.

Hu said that China and Jordan have conducted cooperation in political, economic, cultural and other fields since they established diplomatic ties in 1977, and the two countries have been sympathetic with and supporting each other in international affairs.

The Chinese leader said that further consolidation of the bilateral ties not only conforms with the fundamental interests of the two peoples, but also will be conducive to regional peace and development.

For his part, Majali lauded China's persistent support for the Middle East peace process.

He also said the Jordanian people have a profound and friendly feeling towards the Chinese people, and more friendly exchange of visits by lawmakers from the two sides will further consolidate the friendly cooperation between the two countries.

In a separate meeting with Hu Jintao, President of Senate Zaid Rifaee said that the Jordanian parliament attaches importance to developing friendly and cooperative relations with China, and highly appreciates China's contribution to the national development of the kingdom.

He also thanked China for its support for and cooperation with Jordan on international affairs, particularly the Middle East peace process.

Jordan is the third leg of Hu's five-nation tour, which has taken him to Iran and Syria. He will also visit Cyprus and Uganda.

(People’s Daily 01/15/2001)