On September 27, 2018 local time, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Walid Muallem of Syria on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Wang Yi first listened to the introduction of Walid Muallem on the situation in Syria. Wang Yi expressed that we are deeply gratified to see the sound and stable development of the situation in Syria with the efforts made by the Syrian people. The Chinese side has always adhered to the political settlement of the Syrian issue, upheld the principle of Syrian-owned and Syrian-led, and stuck to maintaining Syria’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.

Wang Yi expressed that the Chinese side pays high attention to China-Syria relations, will not be absent from Syria’s reconstruction, and stands ready to play a positive role in economic and social development of Syria. President Xi Jinping announced the new measures of the Chinese government for cooperation with the Arab states at the opening ceremony of the Ministerial Meeting of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum this year. It is hoped that Syria will take an active part in it to propel its own development and revitalization. The Chinese side appreciates that the Syrian side has actively responded to the Belt and Road Initiative, and stands ready to take it as an opportunity to promote the further development of economic exchanges between the two countries.

Walid Muallem noted that China is a major country with global influence. Syria cherishes its traditional friendly relations with China, and thanks the Chinese side for playing a constructive role in promoting Syria to realize peace, restore stability and ease humanitarian situation. Syria has adhered to the Syrian-led principle to advance the political settlement process. At present, the situation in Syria has improved. The Syrian side is willing to boost its cooperation in extensive areas with China, and take an active participation in the joint building of the Belt and Road Initiative, so as to inject fresh impetus into bilateral practical cooperation.