The Chinese Government expresses its deep condolences over the passing away of Syrian President Hafez al-Assad who died of disease on June 10, 2000.




President Assad is an outstanding leader of Syria who has contributed all his life to the development of the country and the happiness of the Syrian people. President Assad highly valued Syria-China ties. His untimely passing away is a great loss to the Syrian people. The Chinese people also lost a respected friend. The Chinese Government believes that Syria will continue to march forward along the path set by President Assad, and the friendly relations and cooperation between the two countries will continue to advance.