Damascus - President Bashar al-Assad discussed on Sunday with Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi the distinguished bilateral relations between the two countries and the need to build upon achievements in that regard to develop and bolster cooperation in the fields of economy, energy, tourism, development and human resources and more to strengthen the integration and deep relations between Syria and China.
Talks also dealt with the situation in the region and around the world, with viewpoints being in agreement regarding most issues, particularly the need to establish just and comprehensive peace according to the decisions of international legitimacy and the priciple of land for peace, in addition to stressing the importance of working to restore Palestinian unity of rank.
The Minister briefed President al-Assad on the results of the G-20 meetings which took place in London and the Chinese-US agreement for establishing strategic relationships for the 21st century, conducting strategic dialogue between the two countries, and cooperation in various vital fields.
Yang also briefed President al-Assad on the talks he conducted during his tour of the region, affirming China's firm stance I support of Syria's just causes, particularly regarding its efforts to restore the occupied Syrian Golan, expressing appreciation of Syria's role and efforts for achieving stability in the region and affirming China's readiness to boost coordination with Syria and play a role to reach peace in the region.
President al-Assad thanked China for its support of Syria and its causes, stressing the need to continue coordination and deliberations between the two countries due to their positive role in restoring rights, supporting both sides' causes and achieving stability in the region.
Both sides expressed relief over the new US administration's openness to having multiple sides for solving troublesome issues around the world, its new diplomacy, and the resulting positive atmosphere.
The meeting was attended by Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem, Presidential Political and Media Advisor Dr. Buthaina Shaaban, Assistant Foreign Minister Ahmad Arnous, and the delegation accompanying Mr. Yang.
Mr. Yang also held official talks with Minister al-Moallem, which was attended by Assistant Minister Arnous, directors of Foreign Media and Asia Departments and the Special Bureau, and the delegation accompanying the Chinese Minister.
In a joint press conference with Minister al-Moallem, Minister Yang described his talks with President al-Assad and al-Moallem as deep and comprehensive, during witch opinions were exchanged regarding means for pushing the peace process forward and the necessity of establishing just and comprehensive peace according to decisions of international legitimacy and the principle of land-for-peace, affirming China's support of Syria's efforts to restore the occupied Syrian Golan.
For his part, Minister al-Moallem described Yang's talks with President al-Assad as very constructive, saying they focused on bilateral relations, the current regional situation, and the peace process.
Al-Moallem affirmed that viewpoints were in agreement regarding the issues that were discussed, with both sides stressing the need to develop bilateral relations through China's participation in investments and developmental projects in Syria, particularly in the fields of energy and tourism.
He pointed out that President al-Assad reiterated during the meeting that Syria recognized the One-China Principle and refuses all attempts to pressure China under various slogans.
Al-Moallem added that the visit of his Chinese counterpart, which came at a suitable time of changes in the international scene, affirms the depth of standing bilateral relations and reflects the Chinese leadership's desire to play a rule fitting China's position in the international community.
He also said this visit will form the groundwork for expanding bilateral relations, noting that China ranks number one in the amount of trade exchange with Syria.
"Since China is a permanent member in the UN Security Council, talks also dealt with means to achieve just and comprehensive peace in the region, participation in achieving the security and stability of Iraq, the situation in Darfur, and the need to encourage political efforts between the Arab League and the African Union to resolve this issue." Minister al-Moallem said, expressing relief of China's awareness of the reality of the situation in Darfur and its affirmation that the UN Security Council mustn't interfere in this matter unless the interference is positive.
Regarding the recent statements of the Israeli Foreign Minister regarding talks with Syria, al-Moallem said "I don't want to comment on Lieberman's words which are full of contradictions, and I won't comment on the words of someone in Israel but rather on a stance that the Israeli government promised to take regarding the peace process."
"They really know the requirements of peace...if they have willingness to make peace, it should be based on the peace process references, on top, the UN Security Council resolutions, the land-for-peace formula, Madrid Reference and the Arab peace initiative," al-Moallem added.
For his part, the Chinese Foreign Minister said, "I was honored by the meeting with President al-Assad... I also held talks with Minister al-Moallem, viewpoints were identical on a lot of issues... the talks dealt with means of boosting the friendly relations, coordination and cooperation between our two countries on regional and international arenas."
Mr. Yang reiterated China's support to Syria's fair cause in protecting the homeland's sovereignty and territorial integrity, saying, "We support Syria's efforts aiming at the restoration of the occupied Syrian Golan in light of the international relevant resolutions."
He expressed his country's appreciation of Syria's strong support to china as government and people, adding that both sides agreed to continue consultations and exchange visits on high levels as well as enhancing cooperation in the natural resources, human resources and communications.
The Chinese Foreign Minister underlined that his country encourages Chinese companies to invest in Syria and establish factories in it and import Syrian goods, backs the cultural and human exchange.
Answering a question on means of pressuring Israel to abide by the international legitimacy resolutions, Mr. Yang said that his tour in the region concentrated on pushing the peace process forwards, adding "the international community gives more attention in this stage to push this process forwards.
President Bashar al-Assad's state visit to Beijing in 2004 gave a strong momentum to the relations between the two countries to become a partnership relation in the fields of water, agriculture, economy, art, health, tourism, oil and gas.
By H. Sabbagh / Ghossoun / Mazen
© SANA (Syria Arab News Agency) 2009
