Yu Zhengsheng (R), chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, meets King Abdullah II Bin Al-Hussein of Jordan on the sidelines of the first China-Arab States Expo convened in Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui autonomous region, Sept 15, 2013. [Photo/Xinhua]

YINCHUAN - China's top political advisor Yu Zhengsheng met on Sunday with King of Jordan Abdullah II ibn Al-Hussein on the sidelines of a China-Arab State Expo in Yinchuan in Northwest China's Ningxia Hui autonomous region.

Yu, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), spoke highly of the long-term friendship between China and Jordan. He said the king has visited China seven times, which showcased the high importance he attached to relationship with China. He added the China visit of the king will promote further development of the bilateral ties.

Yu noted China highly values relationship with Jordan, and will continue to strengthen their cooperation in all areas so as to benefit the two peoples.

The chairman also welcomed the king's attendance to the expo, saying he hoped the expo could become an effective platform to enhance the mutual understanding, trade and economic cooperation, and common development of China and Arab states,through active participation and support from both sides.

The first China-Arab State Expo, a key platform for promoting trade between China and the Muslim world, opened on Sunday morning in Yinchuan, the capital city of the Ningxia Hui autonomous region, which is home to more than 10 percent of China's 20 million Muslims. Yu attended the opening ceremony and delivered a speech.

King Abdullah II appreciated China's hugh achievements in national development. He said Jordan wanted to learn from China's development experience and deepen their comprehensive cooperation. Jordan will play its unique role in the Arab states to help push forward the bilateral relationship and Arab-China relationship to a new high.

The king also wished the expo a great success.

Besides Yinchuan, King Abdullah II will continue his state visit to China from Sept 15 to 18, at the invitation of President Xi Jinping.

The China-Arab States Expo originated from the China (Ningxia) International Investment and Trade Fair and the China-Arab States Economic and Trade Forum, which has been held annually since 2010.