Xi Jinping, President of China, and Bashar al-Assad, President of Syria, have announced the development of strategic cooperation to aid in the reconstruction of war-torn Syria.
The two made the statement on Friday during their diplomatic talks in the city of Hangzhou in southern China.
According to Chinese official media, Xi reminded his Syrian counterpart that despite the “uncertainty and instability” in the international environment, China is willing to continue working with Syria in the interests of friendly cooperation and upholding international fairness and justice.
When Syria is fighting against international interference and unilateral bullying, China backs them up. It will aid in Syria’s rebuilding,” he added.
Xi announced a series of actions to strengthen China’s approach to global security and to improve infrastructure along the historic Silk Road.
To help contribute to regional and global peace and development, Xi added, “China is willing to strengthen cooperation with Syria through the Belt and Road Initiative.”
Al-Assad was quoted on state TV as saying that he appreciated China’s support “during the crisis and suffering” in Syria.
The Arab leader is making this historic trip in an effort to improve ties with the second-largest economy in the world and to end the diplomatic and economic isolation that Western sanctions have caused for more than a decade.
Since the civil war broke out in Syria in 2011, the West has imposed sanctions on the country. Numerous lives have been lost, and millions of people have been uprooted as a result.
The Syrian government under Bashar al-Assad has reestablished connections with Arab neighbors who formerly supported the country’s rebels and now control the majority of the country.
Meanwhile, China has increased its diplomatic activity in the Middle East in an effort to increase its global influence and advance an alternative to the world order presided over by the United States.
In March, Beijing mediated an agreement between Saudi Arabia and Iran, ending a diplomatic stalemate that had lasted seven years.