Foreign Minister Wang Yi Says China Supports Syria In Reaching Peace

JAKARTA - Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi promised his country support for Damascus after meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al Shibani in Beijing on Monday.

China's Foreign Ministry said in a statement citing Foreign Minister Wang that China supports Syria in "achieving peace as early as possible", coordinating security and development, and integrating with the international community, quoted from The National 17 November.

China "willing to work closely with the international community to contribute to Syria's efforts to achieve security and stability," he added.

Beijing will also support Syria in finding "the nation's rebuilding plans that are in line with the people's wishes" through political dialogue, Foreign Minister Wang said.

Foreign Minister Al Shibani began his first official visit to the Bamboo Curtain Country on Sunday, according to the Syrian government news agency Sana.

He discussed with Foreign Minister Wang about strengthening bilateral relations and exploring ways to expand cooperation between Syria and China, reports Sana.

It is known that the two countries will commemorate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year.

Syria itself is working to re-integrate into the international community and improve relations with global key players, after decades of isolation under the previous Assad regime.

"The opportunity to get Syria out of isolation for decades should not be wasted", he said.

Foreign Minister Al Shibani said the new government would work "all the time" to "introduce to the world how important Syria is" after its political and economic isolation under former president Bashar Al Assad, who was ousted in December last year.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump earlier this month hosted Syrian President Ahmad Al Shara at the White House. He became Syria's first head of state to visit Washington since the country's independence.

Shortly after the two leaders met, the State Department announced the suspension of some US sanctions against Syria under the Caesar Act would be extended for another 180 days.