Unlike Syria’s Real Friends, US-Led Coalition Never Aimed at Fighting Terrorism: Shaaban

BEIJING, (ST)- The Presidential Political and Media Advisor Bouthaina Shaaban has stressed that  contrary to the honorable stances of the friendly countries of Russia, China and Iran, the so-called international coalition, led by the United States, never aimed at fighting terrorism in Syria, rather, it aimed at providing all forms of support for the terrorist groups and at prolonging the crisis as long as possible in order to reach its real goal which is dividing Syria.  

She made the remarks during her meeting with the Chinese Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Chen Xiaodong on Saturday within the frame work of her visit to China.

 Talks dealt with the current situation in Syria and the region as well as prospects of enhancing Syrian-Chinese cooperation.

Shaaban explained to the Chinese side the current progress in the political process and the role of Geneva, Astana and Sochi meetings in this progress.

The advisor affirmed the importance of boosting the Syrian-Chinese economic ties and exchanged views with Xiaodong on China’s role in reconstruction in Syria and on the vital role that can be played by Syria within the framework of the “One Belt, One Road Initiative”.

Shaaban referred to the strategic policy of President Bashar Al-Assad regarding Syria’s relation with East as an alternative to the colonialist West which had dominated our region, noting that this policy goes in harmony with China’s vision for fruitful and constructive cooperation between countries and civilizations away from hegemony and domination aspirations.

Xiaodong, on his part, congratulated Syria on its victories in the war on terrorism, pointing out that China is following up with great interest the situation in Syria. He said that China sees that the sharpness of battles is being decreased and the process of attaining political solution is gaining momentum.

He asserted that Beijing will continue to provide humanitarian assistance as well as political, economic and cultural support to the Syrian state and people.

He hailed the Syrian-Chinese cooperation in the fight against terrorism, thanking Syria over its support for China’s strategic interests and hoping for continuous cooperation between the two countries in confrontation of the terrorist East Turkestan Liberation Organization.

Hamda Mustafa