Chinese Ambassador’s Visit to Al-Hussein Bin Talal University: Boosting Jordan-China Academic and Indutrial Cooperation

Dr. Hasan Abdullah Al-Dajah
Al-Hussein Bin Talal University in Ma’an Governorate recently received the Chinese Ambassador to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, in a visit that gains special importance due to the strategic role played by the university in enhancing academic and development cooperation with international institutions. This visit comes within the framework of China’s efforts to strengthen its relations with Jordan, especially in the fields of education, economy, industry, and culture, as it aims to build deeper bridges for joint cooperation and create new opportunities for development in Ma’an Governorate and the southern Jordanian governorates.
The Chinese Ambassador’s visit to Al-Hussein Bin Talal University came as part of strengthening the scientific and academic partnership between the two countries and enhancing cooperation in the fields of scientific research and strategic studies. During this visit, the Ambassador met with the university president, faculty members, and a number of students, where the discussion addressed the Chinese-Jordanian scientific and academic relations through providing support for educational programs and research that address development challenges in the region. The discussion also focused on the importance of enhancing cultural and educational exchange programs, which contributes to opening new horizons for Jordanian students to learn about Chinese culture and benefit from Chinese expertise in the fields of science and technology.
During the meeting, the memorandum of understanding signed between the university and the World Council for Chinese Studies of Beijing Language and Culture University was emphasized, which comes as a symbol of intensifying academic and cultural cooperation between the two sides, in addition to the inauguration of the Jordanian Center for Chinese Studies at the university, which is expected to play an effective role in encouraging Chinese studies in Jordan and enhancing Jordanian students’ understanding of Chinese culture and language and attracting more Chinese students to learn about Jordanian culture.
In addition to his academic visit, the ambassador made field trips to a number of official and industrial institutions in Ma’an Governorate, where he closely learned about the economic and industrial potential that the region abounds in. The ambassador met with the governor of Ma’an and the mayor of Greater Ma’an and learned about local industries, and discussed investment and cooperation opportunities that China can offer in these areas, especially in light of China’s growing interest in investing in developing countries, including Jordan.
Among the institutions visited by the ambassador were factories operating in the fields of industries that were established in cooperation with Chinese companies, where he expressed his admiration for the industrial progress achieved by Jordan in these fields, and stressed China’s interest in contributing to the development of these sectors by transferring advanced Chinese expertise in this field, especially since China has extensive experience in heavy industries and infrastructure development.
Visiting tourist sites and meeting with the people of Ma’an
The ambassador’s visit was not limited to academic and industrial affairs only, but also included tourist tours to a number of historical sites in Ma’an Governorate, which is one of the richest Jordanian governorates in archaeological sites and historical monuments. The ambassador visited prominent tourist landmarks, such as the palace of the founding king and the historic Ma’an Castle, which witnessed different stages of Jordanian history. These tourist tours were not only to introduce the ambassador to the Jordanian cultural heritage, but also to shed light on the tourism potential of the region, which can attract Chinese tourists and enhance tourism exchange between the two countries.
The ambassador also met with a number of students from Al-Hussein Bin Talal University, where they expressed their happiness with this visit, which reflects China’s interest in strengthening its relations with Jordan at the level of the two peoples, and not only at the level of governments. During this meeting, the ambassador expressed his thanks to them for their warm welcome.
By his decision to spend the night in Ma’an, the ambassador wanted to send a message that confirms the depth of human relations between the two countries. He was keen to be close to the local community and to share the daily lives of the people of Ma’an, even for one day, which reflects China’s vision of international relations not only from the perspective of political and economic interests, but also from a humanitarian perspective that aims to build bridges of understanding and rapprochement between peoples.
Spending the night in Ma’an is an important diplomatic step, as it reflects the spirit of true partnership based on mutual respect and enhances popular cooperation between the two countries, as the ambassador became close to the concerns and aspirations of the people of Ma’an. He also had the opportunity to communicate directly with young people and listen to their opinions and ideas about the prospects of cooperation between Jordan and China, which enhances his role in building bridges of cultural and human communication between the two friendly peoples.
Finally: The visit of the Chinese ambassador is very important as it views Jordan as a strategic partner in the region, and that it is committed to continuing to work with Jordanian parties to enhance cooperation in various fields, to the benefit of both countries.
He also promised to follow up on all the issues and proposals discussed during this visit, and to provide the necessary support to transform ideas into tangible projects that serve the local community and contribute to the development of Ma’an Governorate. The Chinese Ambassador’s visit to Ma’an, including visits to academic, industrial and tourism institutions, is a qualitative step towards strengthening bilateral relations between Jordan and China.