Beijing, November 22nd—Wang Qishan, Vice President of China, met at Zhongnanhai with a delegation of Syrian Baath Party headed by Hilal Hilal, Deputy General Secretary of the Baath Party.

Wang said that both China and Syria are countries with a long history and splendid civilizations and bilateral relations have maintained sound and steady development since the establishment of diplomatic ties. China firmly supports Syria in upholding its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, in allowing the Syrian people to decide their own future, and in resolving the Syrian issue through political means. The friendship between the two peoples can withstand the test of history. China is ready to play a positive role in Syria's economic and social reconstruction through the Belt and Road cooperation. The ruling parties of the two countries should strengthen exchanges and cooperation and promote greater development of China-Syria relations in the new era.

Hilal said that Syria cherishes China's long-standing friendship and support and hopes that China will fully participate in its post-war reconstruction. The Syrian Baath party is ready to strengthen mutual learning with the CPC and push for continuous development and progress of the relations between the two Parties and countries.

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