AMMAN, May 8 (Xinhua) -- Jordanian-Chinese relationships are witnessing increased improvements and the door remains open for further collaboration in various areas, Jordanian and Chinese officials said on Monday.
Jordan and China are determined to explore further opportunities for collaboration and building partnerships that reflect positively on the two countries, officials said during a seminar marking the 40th anniversary of Jordanian-Chinese diplomatic ties held by Al Rai Centre for Studies and the Chinese Embassy in Amman.
"Jordanian-Chinese relations have been growing and witnessing improvement over the years and the room for increased cooperation is large," Chinese Ambassador to Jordan Pan Weifang said during the seminar, which attracted several Jordanian and Chinese officials and experts.
The ambassador referred to the Belt and Road Initiative, stressing that it can greatly contribute to the development of ties and the development process in Jordan.
Reviewing China's support to Jordan, the ambassador said China helped implement several projects in Jordan that contributed to the development of the country in fields of water, health, infrastructure and energy.
Pan said a cultural center to teach Chinese language and culture is under construction and there was a plan for a Sino-Jordanian university.
"These are expected to play a key role in enhancing understanding and cooperation, especially between the young people in the two countries," said the ambassador.
The ambassador said China also provided aid to Jordan to help reduce the pressure on the country due to the influx of Syrian refugees.
Trade ties are witnessing key progress, he said.
China is Jordan's second largest trade partner and the trade exchange between the two countries exceeded 3.17 billion U.S. dollars in 2016, said the Chinese ambassador.
The ambassador said there was a need for increased efforts by the Jordanian and Chinese sides to enhance cooperation in areas of tourism, culture and health, among others.
Maher Lukasha, director of the Asian Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stressed Jordan's keenness to boost cooperation with China in several areas.
"The existing cooperation between China and Jordan in political, social, cultural, economic and educational fields is huge," said Lukasha, highlighting that the relations witnessed a boost over the years.
Lukasha added that Jordan was keen also on removing any obstacles that may hinder the progress and advancement of Jordanian-Chinese ties.
There are discussions for cooperation between the two countries in several fields, said the Jordanian official.
Jordanian and Chinese experts speaking during the seminar highlighted that there was a large room for increased cooperation to tap the potential in further advancing relations between the two sides in various areas.
