On June 18, 2019, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Walid Muallem of Syria in Beijing.

Wang Yi expressed that the Chinese and Syrian people enjoy a time-honored friendship. Syria is one of the first Arab countries to establish diplomatic relations with China. In spite of the turbulent situation in Syria in recent years, the general direction of China-Syria friendship has never changed. The Chinese side has always adhered to the bottom line of the international law and norms governing international relations, advocated resolving the Syrian issue through political means and supported the Syrian people in exploring a development path that is in line with their national conditions.

Wang Yi pointed out that as the situation in Syria enters a new stage and the political settlement momentum rises, China-Syria relations also face new development opportunities. The Chinese side will continue to firmly support the Syrian side in safeguarding national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, fighting against terrorism, restoring national security and stability as well as launching economic reconstruction. Your visit to China is highly relevant. The Chinese side is willing to make joint efforts with the Syrian side to steadily promote cooperation in various areas. Under the current international situation, China and Syria should also strengthen communication and coordination on international and regional issues, maintain the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, and safeguard multilateralism, in a bid to safeguard the common interests of the two countries and other developing countries.

Walid Muallem noted that Syria-China relations enjoy sound development. China is the top priority of Syria's eastward policy. The Syrian side firmly supports China in safeguarding its own sovereignty and territorial integrity, and believes that the Chinese side will for sure secure great victory in economic construction and social development. The Syrian side stands ready to actively participate in jointly building the Belt and Road Initiative, welcomes the Chinese side's participation in Syria's reconstruction, and expects Chinese enterprises to expand investment in Syria. The Syrian side appreciates the Chinese side's understanding and support for the Syrian side at multilateral occasions, and hopes to jointly well maintain regional peace and stability. Syria stands ready to work with other countries to oppose unilateralism and economic terrorism pursued by the United States.