Queen Rania and Beijing Mayor explore channels of strengthening co-operation

(Office of Her Majesty, Press Department - Beijing) Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah  met with Beijing Mayor, Mr. Wang Qishang.  During the meeting, Queen Rania and the Mayor explored channels of strengthening the bilateral co-operation between the cities of Amman and Beijing, within the larger framework of the 30-year old friendship that exists between the two countries. An example of such collaborations is the 2003-2006 Executive Program for Cultural and Scientific Cooperation that was signed between Jordan and China, and aimed at strengthening relations between the two countries in the fields of education and higher education, science, social development, health, information, tourism, youth and sports. Queen Rania also congratulated the Mayor and the Municipality of Beijing on the city's successful modernization and expansion, noting that many positive changes have taken place since her last trip to China in 1999 with His Majesty King Abdullah. For his part, the Mayor presented Her Majesty with the latest developments on the growth of the city – at a growth rate of 10% over the last 10 years - and the preparations underway for the 2008 Olympic Games, including state-of-the-art sports facilities. The increase in access to public transportation, thereby decreasing traffic congestion, with the establishment of new subway lines that extend to the site of the Games, is also another example. Projected plans also include a new airport that can accommodate up to 70 million people. The Mayor also spoke of the city's various projects in preserving the country's historic landmarks. Queen Rania, in return, highlighted Jordan's commitment to preserving its historical sites, noting that both countries have sites that are part of the New Seven Wonders of the World, referring to Petra and the Wall of China, respectively. Later in the day, Queen Rania, accompanied by Her Royal Highness Princess Iman, visited the Beijing Planning Exhibition Hall, known as the pride of the Beijing Municipal Government, as it charts out the key transformations that have taken place in the capital from 1949 to the present day, as well as the preparations for the 2008 Olympic Games, where she witnessed first-hand China's unique culture in the making, while viewing its key exhibits.