Chinese President Xi Jinping called for a diplomatic and political resolution to the continuing Middle East crisis during a meeting with Jordan’s King Abdullah II in Beijing on Monday. Citing China’s Foreign Ministry, the report said Xi supported a comprehensive ceasefire and the settlement of disputes through political and diplomatic means.

Xi said the sovereignty and security of regional countries, including Jordan, should be respected. He also highlighted what he described as Jordan’s unique and important role in the Middle East. On the Palestinian issue, Xi called for a comprehensive, just and lasting solution and said China supports restarting Israeli-Palestinian peace talks based on a two-state solution.

The meeting came as Jordan faces a difficult position between its alliance with the United States and escalating tensions involving Washington, Israel and Iran. China and Jordan signed several agreements on diplomacy, trade and supply chains. In a joint statement, the two sides also called for the restoration of normal navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.