The Asian leader stressed that for 67 years the bilateral ties “have been firm in the face of the changing international situation” and the friendship between the two sides “remains steadfast with the passage of time”.

During the meeting, Xi recalled that Syria was one of the first countries to establish relations with the new China and one of the first states to submit a draft resolution to regain Beijing’s seat at the United Nations.

China’s president also expressed readiness to enhance bilateral cooperation and jointly defend international justice and peace.

Bashar Al-Assad gave his support for Chinese initiatives which promote global security and place development at the center of the international agenda through integration rather than confrontation.

The Syrian president underlined Beijing’s support for the just causes of peoples based on legal, humanitarian and moral principles which form the basis of China’s policy in international forums.

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