On January 11, 2001, visiting Vice President Hu Jintao held talks with Syrian First Vice President, during which they had an in-depth exchange of views and reached extensive consensus on bilateral relations and regional and international issues of mutual concern.

Hu said that geographical distance has not affected the friendly contacts between the two countries, adding that the ancient "Silk Road" became a symbol of China-Syria friendship a long time ago. He noted that since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries, bilateral friendly relations and cooperation in all areas have made great development. He added that the two countries have enjoyed mutual understanding, mutual support and close cooperation in international affairs; their economic and trade cooperation has registered gratifying development; the bilateral trade volume has exceeded 200 million and there have been frequent people-to-people contacts.

Hu said that he is of the view that the reason why bilateral relations can withstand the tests of international vicissitudes and continue to move forward in a sound and stable manner is that the two peoples have forged profound friendship in their contacts over the years, which serves as solid foundation for the development of bilateral friendly relations and cooperation. He also attributed good bilateral ties to the extensive consensus and common interests of countries, their identical or similar views and positions and their close cooperation in major regional and international issues. He added that the personal attention of leaders of both countries also contribute to the good bilateral relationship. He recalled that President Jiang wrote to President Bashar last October in which he emphasized that China stands ready to consolidate its friendly relations and cooperation with Syria. The late Syrian President Assad made great efforts for the development of bilateral relations during his lifetime. The same is true with President Bashar. Good momentum has presented itself in the development of China-Syria relations. There exist great potentials and prospects for bilateral cooperation in such areas as politics, economy and trade, culture and science and technology.

Khaddam said that Hu's visit to Syria, his meeting with President Bashar and bilateral talks are all very successful, adding that both sides have expressed strong desire for further friendly cooperation between the two countries in the new century. He hailed Syria-China relations as a model for bilateral relationship. He stressed that bilateral cooperation in all areas and their consultation and cooperation in international affairs not only facilitate the development of both countries, but also conduce to the cooperation among developing countries.