Jordanian Prime Minister Faisal al-Fayez on Wednesday in Amman discussed with visiting Chinese Deputy Trade Minister Liao Xiaoqi on ways to promote economic cooperation between the two countries.

During the meeting, Fayez cited the strong historical ties between the two sides, stressing Jordan's keenness to promote relations with China in political and economic fields.

The prime minister also expressed gratitude to China's economic assistance in Jordan's development programs.

For his part, the Chinese official restated China's willingness to promote trade with Jordan.

Their talks also covered the possibilities of building up cooperations between Jordanian and Chinese companies in rebuilding Iraq.

Jordan to receive 1.2-million-dollar grant from China

Jordan will receive a grant of 1.2 million US dollars from China to equip dozens of schools around the country, said Jordanian acting Planning and International Cooperation Minister Hazem Al Nasser Wednesday.

The deal was signed by Nasser and visiting Chinese Deputy Trade Minister Liao Xiaoqi earlier in the day to promote ties between the two countries.

"The grant will be allocated to equip 21 schools in the country and the information center of the Prime Minister's Office," Nasser added.

The Jordanian minister hoped that ties with China in the political and economic fields would be strengthened, adding that China has become an important strategic trade partner for Jordan.

Liao said China is seeking to implement what has been agreed on between the two sides during the visit of King Abdullah II to China in July.

Liao, who heads a nine-member delegation, arrived here Monday night for a three-day visit.