Joint COVID-19 fight enhances relations between China, Arab nations: Jordanian ambassador

BEIJING -- Jordanian Ambassador to China Hussam Al Husseini said that joining hands to fight the COVID-19 pandemic has enhanced the relations between Arab countries and China, and strengthened solidarity and cooperation between them.

He made the remarks during a recent exclusive interview with Xinhua.

Since COVID-19 struck, people have been more aware of the close ties between Arab countries and China, he said, praising their anti-pandemic cooperation.

He expressed his appreciation for the generosity of the Chinese people and the Chinese government in providing medical supplies to Arab countries.

China has dealt with the virus very well, he said, noting his admiration for the way Chinese leadership and government have mobilized the people and put in place strict measures to contain the spread of the virus.

"We have been following the efforts made by China to develop vaccines against COVID-19, including the three successful trial stages that took place and some that are still going on. Such efforts were also made in cooperation with Arab countries including Jordan," he said.

He expressed appreciation for China's joining of the WHO-led COVAX initiative aimed at ensuring equitable global access to vaccines. "It shows China's genuine spirit of solidarity and cooperation, without which humanity would not be able to defeat this virus," he said.

The ambassador also expressed confidence that the steady growth of China's economy will lead to a global economic recovery after the successful control of the pandemic.

Poverty eradication is one of the excellent examples of China's successful plans and policies, as well as one of the most important Millennium Development Goals put forward by the United Nations many years ago. He said China is at the forefront in achieving these goals.

He emphasized that many countries, including Jordan, can learn a lot from China's experience.

The relationship between Jordan and China is a successful one in many ways, he said, noting bilateral relationship was upgraded to a strategic partnership in 2015, and China is Jordan's second-largest trading partner.

The Silk Road has always been a good example of the historical relations between Arabs and Chinese people, he said, noting Jordan has the potential to become an investment, logistics and redistribution center for Chinese products and services in jointly building the Belt and Road.

"There are many areas that flourish greatly between our two countries, politically, economically, culturally and in tourism," he said.