Jordanian King Abdullah II and visiting Chinese Vice President Hu Jintao agreed in Amman Sunday that the two countries will improve bilateral coordination and make concerted efforts regarding the Middle East issues.

During talks late Sunday, the two leaders exchanged views on the promotion of Middle East peace process and efforts for an early lifting of UN sanctions imposed on Iraq.

They expressed their willingness to further strengthen cooperation and coordination on the Middle East issues in order to find early, just and reasonable solutions to the protracted problems.

Recalling the traditional friendship between the two peoples, Hu told Abdullah that the friendly relations and cooperation between the two countries have witnessed an all-round development since the two countries established diplomatic relations more than two decades ago.

There have been fruitful cooperation in political, economic, cultural and military fields between the two countries, Hu said, adding the two sides have been sympathetic with and supporting each other in international affairs.

There have been more and more contacts between the two peoples as well in recent years, he said.

Hu said it is of great importance to set the direction for the development of bilateral relations with strategic perspectives in the new century, adding the Chinese government attaches importance to developing relations with Jordan.

China appreciates Jordanian government's stance to adhere to the "One China" policy and not to have official links with Taiwan, and to support China's great course of national reunification.

China is ready to work with the Jordanian side to increase exchanges and expand cooperation in efforts to elevate the existing friendly relations and cooperation to a new level, he added.

For his part, Abdullah said Jordanian and Chinese leaders have made their unremitting efforts to promote the development of Jordanian-Chinese relations.

He said he will carry on the policy of his father, the late King Hussein, in developing the Jordanian-Chinese friendly relations and cooperation in various areas.

Describing the cooperation in trade and economy between the two countries as fruitful, Abdullah said exchanges and cooperation between the two countries' private business people should be encouraged.

The king awarded the Chinese vice president Al Nahba Medal of First Order for his contribution to the development of Jordanian-Chinese ties.

The king and Queen Rania al-Yassin then hosted a family banquet in honor of Hu.

(Xinhua 01/15/2001)