Jordan and China on Saturday signed an economic and technical cooperation agreement under which China provides the Arab kingdom with US$4.5 million to implement development projects.

The agreement was signed by Jordan's Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Jafar Hassan and China's Deputy Minister of Commerce Chen Jian, who was in Jordan for an official visit.

Hassan commended the bilateral distinguished tie, voicing thanking and appreciation for the grant from the Chinese government, according to a statement issued by the ministry.

The minister stressed Jordan' keenness to develop ties with China, adding that the bilateral ties witness distinguished development in all political, economic and cultural fields.

The minister added that the signing of the agreement represents the two countries' keenness to foster bilateral ties in different fields, especially in light of current regional and international circumstances.

The Chinese official expressed China's commitment to continue to provide technical and financial support to Jordan in different fields.

According to the ministry, China's support to Jordan in loans and grants from 2009 to2010 stood at US$119.5 million.

(Xinhua News Agency December 27, 2010)