Visiting Chinese Vice President Hu Jintao called on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad at the People's Palace on January 10, 2001, during which they held talks in a friendly and cordial manner.

Hu first conveyed the cordial greetings from President Jiang Zemin to Bashar. He noted that Syria was one of the first batch of Middle East countries to establish diplomatic ties with China, adding that thanks to the personal attention of leaders of both countries, the friendly relations and cooperation based on mutual trust, equality and mutual benefit have enjoyed sound development since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries 45 years ago. He said that the recent years, in particular, have witnessed frequent exchange of high-level visits, fruitful economic and trade cooperation and close coordination in international affairs. He went on to say that the test of history and volatile situations, have only made the bilateral relations to become stronger and more stable, serving as a good example for the unity and cooperation between developing countries. He spoke highly of the positive attitude adopted by the Syrian leaders and government on developing ties with China and their valuable long-term support to China on the questions of human rights and Taiwan. He added that it has been proven that high-level exchanges and enhanced cooperation in various fields between the two countries are in conformity with the fundamental interests of the two peoples as well as conducive to peace and development of the region and the world as a whole.

Hu also elaborated on how China and Syria should further enhance their bilateral relations to meet the challenges in the new century. He stressed that both China and Syria are developing countries who are faced with the same opportunities and challenges in the context of the world trend of political multi-polarization and economic globalization. He added that strengthened and expanded bilateral cooperation and enhanced understanding, together with mutual trust and support, will help the two countries in playing an important role in the establishment of a new political and economic order in the world.

Hu also pointed out that since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries, China and Syria have conducted very good cooperation in the areas of economy, trade, science and technology and others. He noted that the two countries should further their economic and trade ties against new situations. China is now implementing its 10th 5-year plan, whereas Syria is reforming its economic system, which is believed to provide wide scope for the expansion of bilateral cooperation in such areas as economy, trade, science and technology. He went on to say that China stands ready to make concerted efforts with Syria to promote the long-term, stable development of bilateral relations in the 21st century.

Hu was of the view that the world is experiencing the most profound changes since the ending of Cold War. Although the overall international situation is tending to relaxation, hegemony and power politics are still there. And these forces, with the underpinning of their economic and hi-tech edge, interfere in the internal affairs of other countries and attempt to dominate the world, posing threat to regional and world peace and stability. He noted that China and Syria have identical or similar views on major international and regional issues, adding that the two countries used to have good cooperation in international affairs in the past and they should continue to strengthen their cooperation in this aspect.

Bashar asked Hu to convey his cordial greetings to President Jiang. Echoing Hu's views on international situations and bilateral relations, Bashar said that Syria attaches great importance to China's important international standing and its important role. He went on to say that Syria and China have a long history of friendly contacts and have forged close ties since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries, adding that Syria is willing to further its close relationship with China and expand friendly cooperation for the benefits of the two friendly peoples.

Bashar also vowed to support China's just struggle to safeguard its national sovereignty and territorial integrity. He reiterated Syria's firm stance to respect the One-China principle and support China's great cause of reunification.

On the Middle East question, Hu said that China has been closely following the situation and the development of the peace process in the Middle East. He expressed China's deep sympathy with and worries over the constant clashes between the Palestinians and Israel recently, which incurred great losses in terms of life and property for both peoples, for the Palestinians in particular and which greatly impeded economic development. He stressed that China firmly opposes and condemns Israel's use of violence against Palestinian civilians, adding that China has made its due efforts as a permanent member of the UN Security Council to ease the tension in this region. He went on to say that China, President Jiang himself in particular, has used all kinds of opportunities to try to persuade Israel to give up the use of force and to resume peace talks with the Arabian side. He added that China is of the view that the only way to solve the Mideast issue is through candid dialogs on the basis of relevant UN resolutions, the accords already reached between the Arabs and Israelis, and the "land for peace" principle with a view to ironing out disputes and realizing reconciliation. He noted that Syria is an important party in the Mideast issue and without its participation, there will be no real peace in the region. China appreciates Syria's strategic decision of seeking solution to conflicts through negotiations, holding that the Golan Heights is an inalienable part of Syria's territory. Hu reiterated China's support to Syria's effort to retrieve its land occupied by Israel. He pointed out that China will continue to firmly support Arabs' just cause and will make its contribution to the peace and stability in the region and the Mideast peace process along with the international community.

Bashar highly appreciated China's principled stand regarding the Mideast peace process, expressing his thanks for China's firm support to Arabs' just struggle and Syria's efforts to recover the lost land. He stressed that Israel should withdraw its troops from Syria's Golan Heights according to relevant UN resolutions, withdraw its troops from Lebanon completely and concede that Palestinian refugees have the right to return to their country and recognize that the Palestinians have the right to establish an independent country in their own territory.