Jordan and Kuwait on Tuesday renewed their support for the Palestinian Authority?s efforts to unify the Palestinian ranks.

During talks in Kuwait City between His Majesty King Abdullah and Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah, the two leaders said the current Palestinian rift threatens the interests of the Palestinian people and its aspirations to establish an independent state in the West Bank and Gaza.

They also called for intensifying efforts to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinians as a result of the harsh economic conditions they are experiencing.

The King and Sheikh Sabah stressed their eagerness to improve ties and take them to the highest levels possible in all fields.

The two leaders also discussed ways to bolster joint Arab action so that the Arab nation would aptly stand up to the challenges it is facing.

They discussed the situation in Lebanon and Iraq, voicing support for all efforts to achieve security, stability and unity.

His Majesty is due to travel to China today for a two-day visit, during which he will hold talks with Chinese President Hu Jintao on means to bolster bilateral ties and build strategic relations in different fields.

During the visit, officials from the two countries will sign several deals to enhance cooperation in the mining, transport, scientific research and alternative nuclear energy sectors.

His Majesty will also meet with Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao to discuss bilateral ties and developments at the regional and international levels.

In preparation of the King?s visit to China, Foreign Minister Salah Bashir and his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi yesterday discussed at a meeting in Beijing the latest regional and international issues of common concern. During their meeting, they also went over means to boost relations between the two countries.