China’s One Belt, One Road initiative to benefit Jordan — ambassador

AMMAN — Jordan and China are holding talks regarding the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation, as part of China's One Belt, One Road initiative, according to the Chinese ambassador.

A multibillion land and maritime project, the One Belt One Road project aims to connect China to the rest of the world, including Jordan.

"Following the signing of the MoU, we will witness increased cooperation and projects between the two sides in various areas," Chinese ambassador to Jordan, Pan Weifang, said at a press conference Monday held on the occasion of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China.

The ambassador stressed his country's keenness to boost cooperation with Jordan, noting that the ties were "solid and strategic".

Referring to Chinese President Xi Jinping's speech at the Congress that recently witnessed his reelection for another term, the ambassador said that it "ushered a new era for China", which will include increased and strengthened cooperation with Jordan.

"China is highly interested in boosting relations with Jordan and the ties are witnessing a growing progress on all fronts," Weifang said, underlining the significance of the One Belt, One Road project, which was launched in 2013 and runs through the continents of Asia, Europe and Africa.

The Silk Road Economic Belt focuses on bringing together China, Central Asia, Russia and Europe (the Baltic); linking China with the Arabian Gulf and the Mediterranean Sea through Central Asia and the Indian Ocean. 

The 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road is scheduled to stretch from China's coast to Europe through the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean in one route, and from China's coast through the South China Sea to the South Pacific on the other.

The ambassador also highlighted the opening of Chinese mall in Amman in the near future. The mall was scheduled to be inaugurated two months ago but "high interest" from more Chinese companies delayed the inauguration, the ambassador said.

The ambassador also voiced his appreciation of Jordan's support to the One China policy.

The ambassador highlighted China's two-stage development plan for the period extending from 2020 to the mid-21st century, which aims to develop China into a "great modern socialist country".

Announced by Jinping at the Congress, the plan's first stage will take place between 2020 and 2035, building on the foundation created by the moderately prosperous society.

In the second stage, expected to last from 2035 to mid-21st century, the Chinese Communist Party will "work hard for a further 15 years and develop China into a great modern socialist country that is prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced, harmonious, and beautiful".

In the speech, the Chinese president also highlighted plans for increased economic growth for the country and several other fields.