On July 30, 2009, Wu Sike, Special Representative of Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi and China's Special Envoy to the Middle East, met respectively with Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem and Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad in Damascus. Both sides exchanged views on bilateral ties, the Middle East peace process and other issues.

During the meetings, Wu made positive comments on bilateral relations and expressed gratitude to the Syrian side for its support to China on a number of issues concerning China's sovereignty and territory integrity," Wu said. He emphasized that Syria is an important force for peace and stability in the Middle East and China unswervingly supports the Syrian, Palestinian and other Arab people in their just causes to regain legitimate national rights and interests. China is also ready to work with Syria and other relevant parties in the Middle East to continue playing a positive role in achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting peace of the Middle East.

On the current situation, Wu said that the Middle East issue is at a new crossroad. All parties concerned should seize the opportunities, show sincerity and overcome obstacles to revive the Middle East peace process as soon as possible.

The Syrian side thanked for China's long-standing support to the Syrian and other Arab people in their just causes to regain legitimate national rights and interests. Syria is ready to further consolidate and strengthen bilateral mutually beneficial cooperation, including communication and coordination in international and regional issues, so as to push forward bilateral ties.

Wu Sike arrived in Damascus on the same day for a visit. He will leave for Iran on July 31. He had visited Qatar and Algeria before reaching Syria.