China's policy paper presents clear roadmap for Chinese-Arab ties: Jordanian officials

The official policy paper issued by China on Chinese-Arab relations is clear and well-studied, justly addressing the interests of both sides, Jordanian officials have said.

In separate interviews with Xinhua, Jordanian Information Minister Mohammad Momani and Nabil Al Sharif, former Jordanian minister of media affairs, said they expected further cooperation with China and an enhancement of partnerships.

Momani said that the guideline published by the Chinese government is a clear roadmap for bilateral cooperation between China and the Arab world, covering politics, economy, social issues and other fields.

"The document highlights China's political approach, which is a longstanding one that is based on clear and constant steps away from any mystery," the minister said.

Meanwhile, Al Sharif told Xinhua that the policy paper is a step in the right direction, which shows Beijing's keenness to boost ties with the Arab world in various areas.

The Chinese government issued a policy paper Wednesday to review and summarize the development of Chinese-Arab ties.

The policy paper stipulates the guiding principle for developing Chinese-Arab relations, offers a blueprint for Chinese-Arab mutually beneficial cooperation, and reiterates the political will of commitment to peace and stability in the Middle East, in order to raise Chinese-Arab relations to a new and higher level.

"The issuance of this guideline by a great country like China indicates that the ties between the Arabs and China can witness further progress, cooperation and coordination, which reflects positively on the two sides in various areas," said Al Sharif.

Al Sharif said the release of the policy paper comes at a time when many Arab countries are suffering severe hardships. The former minister noted that China's stance toward the Arab world is constant and solid, as China has stressed that the current situation in the Arab world will not harm their strategic partnerships.

In return, the Arab League should develop a similar guideline to enhance ties with China to produce win-win benefit, Al Sharif added.

For his part, Momani said that Jordan is looking forward to enhancing its relations with China with exchanges of visits among the leaders of both countries.

He said that Jordanian King Abdullah's visit to China in 2015 and the signing of several agreements form a cornerstone of bilateral relations.

There is huge potential for collaboration in various areas including technology, energy and mining, said the minister, when mentioning a 1.6- billion-U.S.-dollar financial package offered by China for a major oil shale power plant in Jordan.

As a gateway to several markets across the world, Jordan is embarking on mega projects in the field of water and mining, and looking forward to more Chinese investments, Momani said.

On cultural ties, the minister said Jordan wants to increase cultural collaboration through exchanges of visits, delegations and exhibitions to familiarize the citizens of the two countries with each other's culture. Endi