Chinese President Xi Jinping and Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad on Friday jointly announced the establishment of a China-Syria strategic partnership.
The two leaders met in Hangzhou, east China’s Zhejiang Province, ahead of the opening ceremony of the 19th Asian Games scheduled for Saturday.
Syria was one of the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with China and was one of the nations that advocated for the restoration of the People’s Republic of China’s rightful place in the United Nations, Xi Jinping said.
The Chinese leader expressed the countries’ willingness to support each other on issues related to the core interests and major concerns of both sides, safeguard the common interests and concerns of other developing countries. He also emphasised that China will uphold international justice.
According to Xi, China supports Syria in countering foreign interference, rejecting unilateralism and intimidation, defends national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Beijing also supports Syria in improving its relations with other Arab countries and enhancing its role on the international stage.
Al-Assad claimed he appreciated and supported the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilisation Initiative. He stated Syria would participate actively.
The Syrian side strongly opposes any interference in China’s internal affairs and is ready to be China’s long-term and loyal friend and partner, he added.
After the talks, the two leaders signed documents on bilateral economic and technological co-operation, as well as within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative. The countries issued a joint statement on the establishment of a strategic partnership.
