China has major role in Mideast — Judeh

AMMAN — China has a major role to play on Middle East issues, especially as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh said on Monday.

During a meeting in Amman with China's Special Envoy on the Middle East Issue Gong Xiaosheng, Judeh commended China's support for Jordan.

Talks covered bilateral relations and the latest developments in the region, especially in Syria, and the Middle East peace process, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

They discussed Jordan's efforts in support of a political solution in Syria, especially after the Vienna meeting, where Judeh stressed that the solution must guarantee the safety, security and unity of the state with the participation of all components of the Syrian community.

The two officials also discussed developments in the Palestinian territories, particularly the recurrent Israeli violations endangering peace negotiations.

Judeh highlighted the importance of reviving peace negotiations to arrive at the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital within the June 4, 1967 lines, based on relevant international references and the Arab Peace Initiative.

In addition, talks covered ways to combat terrorism.

Xiaosheng commended the Kingdom’s role and its efforts to achieve security and stability in the region.