Chinese Ambassador: China Backs Syria in Its War on Terrorism
DAMASCUS, (ST)-Common visions and interests have historically distinguished the Syrian-Chinese relations which have grown stronger and deeper by China’s support of the Syrian people during years of crisis and in their war on terrorism which has become a serious threat to the entire world.
The strong relations between the two countries are based on the principles of respect and of non interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states. In this context, Beijing used the veto several times at the Security Council in favor of Syria and against western hegemony schemes.
October 1st marks the 68st anniversary of the foundation of the People’s Republic of China and this year marks the 61st anniversary of establishing the Syrian-Chinese diplomatic relations.
On this occasion, the Chinese Ambassador to Syria Qi Qianjin made a statement to SANA in which he said the relations between the two countries didn’t stop during the years of crisis in Syria, rather they witnessed notable development, particularly this year.
He noted the growing confidence between the two sides, expressing Beijing’s interest in enhancing relations with Syria, which in turn, has had considerable participation within the framework of the Silk Road Initiative or “the Belt and the Road” Initiative for International Cooperation.
Qianjin highly appreciated the Syria government’s policy of focusing eastward, stressing that the government of his country will cooperate with Syria as to boost the bilateral political, economic, educational and strategic relations.
Beijing backs Syria’s sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, rejects division schemes
He renewed his country’s support for Syria in its war on terrorism, stressing that China backs Syria’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity and rejects every attempt to divide the country. He pointed out that the Syrian people alone have the right to determine their future away from foreign interference.
Syria is a key commercial partner
On the economic and commercial ties, Qianjin asserted that Syria is a key commercial partner as most of Syria’s imports are from China, noting the continuity of trade exchange even during the years of crisis. Figures show that the value of trade exchange between Syrian and China reached up to a billion US dollars, he explained.
Qianjin referred to China’s participation in the 59th Damascus International Fair last August through companies that work in the areas of energy, electricity, construction materials and medical equipments, stressing that starting the production of Chinese cars in Syria is an important indication of big commercial and economic cooperation between the two countries.
“The Chinese people support the Syrians in their ordeal and appreciate their steadfastness and sacrifices. Over the past years, China sent humanitarian aid to Syria and this year an agreement was reached to provide new batch of humanitarian and economic assistance that contains rice and electricity equipments,” Qianjin said.
Economic development in Syria needs stable situation
As a result of the victories of the Syrian Arab army, Syria enters a new area and is focusing an all-out reconstruction process.
In this regard, the Chinese Ambassador believes that “economic development in Syria needs stable situation,” pointing out that his country hopes that the crisis in Syria will end soon so it can take part in the reconstruction process and carry out investment projects. He also urged enhancing dialogue between the businessmen of China and Syria to handle some issues relating to laws and banking.
Concerning cultural cooperation, Qianjin said Beijing provided tens of scholarships for Syrian students. In addition, tens of employees representing different Syrian ministries, particularly the ministry of Agriculture and Agrarian Reform, have taken part in training courses in China, he added.
Hamda Mustafa