Amman, Aug. 17 (Petra)--Politicians and analysts said His Majesty King Abdullah II’s interview with China’s Xinhua News Agency highlighted the close ties between Jordan and China, as well as Jordan’s strategic location and the skills of its young people.

Speaking to the Jordan News Agency (Petra), they said the King’s interview conveyed Jordan’s appreciation to China’s leadership, government, and people for the strong cooperation between the two countries across various fields, particularly economic cooperation, as well as China’s support for Jordan’s political positions and efforts to promote stability in the region.

They noted that the King said China is a partner in building Jordan’s public sector capacity and highlighted Chinese investments in Jordan’s energy sector.

Former Minister of Government Communication Faisal Shboul said the King conveyed important messages to both Chinese and Jordanian audiences, stressing the strength of bilateral relations and their development over the years across various fields, benefiting the two countries and their peoples.

China is among the countries supporting Jordan’s diplomatic positions, particularly on the Palestinian issue, which the King described as Jordan’s central cause and one that will feature prominently in his talks with the Chinese leadership, alongside efforts to reach a permanent, comprehensive, and just solution, Shboul said.

The King’s message through Xinhua was also one of appreciation for China’s support, particularly its investments in Jordan, given the Kingdom’s strategic geographic location and promising production base with access to the Chinese market, he added.

Shboul said the King highlighted China’s advanced economic model and the shared interests and benefits between the two countries, noting that Jordan-China relations have been built steadily over the years on "sincerity, trust, and confidence." Despite Jordan being located in a region affected by conflict, the King’s openness and leadership have helped turn challenges into opportunities, while Jordan continues to pursue development and distance itself from regional conflicts, he said.

Former Minister of Public Sector Development Maher Al-Madadha said the King reaffirmed in his interview that Jordan has very strong ties with China, a global economic power, while Jordan serves as a manufacturing and export hub with a strategic location and investment opportunities.

The King’s remarks demonstrate Jordan’s efforts to develop its economic model by drawing on China’s advanced development experience and exploiting available opportunities, particularly given China’s advanced expertise in technology, artificial intelligence, and future technologies, while Jordan has a highly skilled young workforce in these fields, Al-Madadha said.

He also highlighted the King’s emphasis on promoting tourism and capitalizing on Jordan’s location, natural assets, and long historical heritage, describing the Kingdom as a vast repository of history and heritage that can be further developed for tourism.

Chairman of the Jordanian-Chinese Friendship Committee Jamal Al-Dmour said the King’s interview with Xinhua summarized the state of Jordan-China relations, which have lasted for more than five decades and are based on "honesty, openness, trust, and cooperation" aimed at promoting the welfare and interests of both peoples.

The interview highlighted shared interests between the two countries, with China having supported Jordan diplomatically on numerous issues, backed its positions in efforts to promote regional stability, and supported the Palestinian cause, Al-Dmour said.

Coordination with China continues on numerous issues, he said, noting the King’s remarks that China is among the world’s influential powers and has supported Jordan in humanitarian relief efforts in Gaza and provided assistance over decades of friendly relations based on trust.

Jordan-China ties have also expanded beyond traditional relations to encompass trade, investment, energy, infrastructure, and education, with Chinese investment in Jordan’s energy sector helping the Kingdom reach a stage of self-sufficiency, he added.

Al-Dmour said the King stressed that bilateral ties are firmly rooted and focused on promoting innovation and greater prosperity, while Jordan’s strategic geographic location and position along historic Silk Road routes offer significant economic opportunities for the Kingdom and its highly skilled young people.

//Petra// AF