China and Jordan on Wednesday opened a Confucius Institute in the kingdom to teach Chinese language to promote bilateral relations.

The inauguration came following a Memeradum of Understanding (MOU) signed last September between the Confucius Institute Headquarters of China and an Arab professional service firm Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization (TAG-Org).

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Chinese Ambassador to Jordan Yu Hongyang highlighted the importance of the opening of the institute, saying it will not only facilitate Jordanians to learn the Chinese language, but also present more Chinese culture to them.

It can also promote the bilateral ties and friendship between the two countries, and play productive role for bilateral cooperation, Yu added.

For his part, Jordanian Cultural Minister Sabri Irbeihat expressed his hope that the Chinese language-learning institute would strengthen the cultural ties between the two countries and bridge the gap between the Chinese and the Arabs.

TAG-Org CEO and Chairman Abu-Ghazaleh also highlighted the importance of learning Chinese language, saying there is an urgent need to learn Chinese to facilitate communications and exchange of trade between the two peoples.

The TAG-Org is one of the largest Arab professional service firms specialized in the fields including training, accounting, intellectual property and information technology.

It has 71 offices in the Middle East and North Africa, with some representative offices in Europe and North America.

(Xinhua News Agency April 2, 2009)