国内英语新闻：China's top political advisor starts visit to Jordan

AMMAN, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- China's top political advisor Jia Qinglin arrived here Sunday on an official goodwill visit to Jordan as guest of Jordanian Senate President Zaid Al Rifaee.

    In a written statement delivered upon arrival at the airport, Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), highlighted the steady development of Sino-Jordanian friendship and cooperation since the two countries forged diplomatic ties 31 years ago.

    Jia said China attaches great importance to its relations with Jordan, and will make concerted efforts with the Jordanian side to promote bilateral traditional friendship and reciprocal cooperation.

Jia Qinglin (front R), chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), is welcomed by Jordanian Senate President Zaid Al Rifaee at the airport in Amman, capital of Jordan, Nov. 23, 2008. Jia arrived here Sunday on an official goodwill visit to Jordan

    He said his visit aims at enhancing understandings, mutual trust and cooperation.

    He is looking forward to meetings with Jordanian leaders during which they will exchange in-depth views on bilateral relations and other issues of common concern.

    "I believe this visit will further promote the understandings and friendship between the two peoples and push forward the further growth of bilateral substantial cooperation in various fields," said Jia.

    Jordan is the first leg of Jia's four-nation visit which will also take him to Turkey, Laos and Cambodia.

Jia Qinglin (front R), chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), is welcomed upon his arrival at the airport in Amman, capital of Jordan, Nov. 23, 2008. Jia arrived here Sunday on an official goodwill visit to Jordan