Chinese President Xi Jinping, during his meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad today in Hangzhou, Eastern China, indicated that "China and Syria will establish a strategic partnership." President Xi stated, "Improving relations will be an important step in the history of both countries," emphasizing that "China wishes to continue mutual support on issues related to the core interests and major concerns of both nations."
He added, "China supports a political resolution to the Syrian issue and hopes to improve its relations with other Arab countries." Chinese state media reported him saying, "China supports Syria's opposition to foreign intervention and unilateral intimidation... and will support Syria's reconstruction." Xi declared, "China is ready to enhance cooperation with Syria through the Belt and Road Initiative... to contribute positively to peace and development at both regional and global levels."
Additionally, Syrian media reported that "Syria and China signed three cooperation agreements, including a strategic cooperation agreement." Earlier today, the Syrian president and his wife visited the Lingyin Temple, one of the oldest and most important Buddhist temples in China, dating back over 1,600 years.
President al-Assad arrived in Hangzhou on Thursday, marking his first visit since 2004, in a new move to end a diplomatic isolation that lasted over a decade under Western sanctions. A source from the Syrian delegation stated that "Assad will meet with Xi today, one day before the opening of the Games." The Syrian delegation is set to hold further meetings in Beijing on Sunday and Monday.
Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad noted that "President Bashar al-Assad's visit to China is very important and represents a 'new leap' in the history of relations between the two countries," pointing out that "relations between Syria and China have developed greatly in recent years, and the international situation has changed significantly, with China now playing a prominent role at various levels."
In an interview with the Xinhua News Agency, Mekdad asserted, "The relations between the two countries are highly developed, and this visit will be a new leap in history, both through the support China provides to Syria, and the support Syria offers to China by believing in 'One China' and supporting all initiatives presented by President Xi Jinping in recent years."
Mekdad highlighted China's significant role in favor of humanity, mentioning that China has proposed many initiatives in this regard, not limited to the Belt and Road Initiative, but also including initiatives related to international security and human civilization, as well as economic growth.
Regarding Syria's participation in the 19th Asian Games to be held in Hangzhou, Mekdad observed that "the Asian Games will bring a joyful atmosphere to these important meetings between the Syrian and Chinese leaderships," noting that "Syria has participated in all sports activities held in China," and expressed optimism that the Syrian team could win several competitions in the Asian Games, indicating that "the Syrians are grateful and feel comfortable with all the preparations that China has made to ensure the success of the Asian Games."
On the role China has played in promoting peace and development in the Middle East, Mekdad confirmed, "China succeeded in achieving reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran because it has good relations with Gulf countries and the Islamic Republic of Iran." He added, "We rely on China and its role because it has no direct interests and has succeeded because it follows an independent and neutral policy, enjoying the trust of all parties. We look forward to and trust that it will play roles in different conflict areas around the world," pointing out that Chinese-Arab relations are based on mutual benefit, and that Syria supports frameworks for Chinese-Arab cooperation, expressing optimism about the future of relations between Arab countries and China.
