AMMAN, July 18 (Xinhua) -- Senior Chinese official Qiangba Puncog highlighted cooperation within the framework of the Belt and Road construction when he visited Israel, Palestine and Jordan.
Qiangba Puncog, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC) who was in Jordan from Friday to Monday, pledged to dovetail China's Belt and Road Initiative with "Jordan 2025" to better serve the development of the two countries.
The Belt and Road Initiative, proposed by China in 2013, refers to the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. It aims to build a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa, along and beyond the ancient trade routes.
The Jordanian side said it is willing to actively participate in the Belt and Road construction and expects China to play a bigger role in regional and international affairs.
During his stay in Israel from July 9 to 12, Qiangba Puncog noted that China and Israel upgraded their relationship to a new height by forging a comprehensive innovation partnership in March.
He called on the two countries to seize the opportunities unleashed by the Belt and Road Initiative, to further cooperation in various spheres and at local level in a comprehensive and down-to-earth manner to better benefit the two countries and peoples.
Israel, for its part, pledged support for bilateral cooperation in such areas as science and technology, education, culture, medical care, water utility and energy conservation and emission reduction.
In Palestine, hailing the friendship between China and Palestine, Qiangba Puncog said China is ready to keep promoting practical cooperation and enhancing cultural and people-to-people exchanges with the Palestinian side to further consolidate the foundation of their friendship.
The Palestinian side spoke highly of the huge achievements China has made in economic and social development. The Palestinian government, parties, media and colleges and universities pay high attention to and expect to actively participate in the Belt and Road construction.
Qiangba Puncog was in Palestine on Wednesday and Thursday, during which he met with Palestinian leaders, including Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
