Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad speaks in an exclusive interview with Xinhua in Damascus, Syria, Sept. 20, 2023. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua)
"We support Arab-Chinese cooperation frameworks, and we are very optimistic about the future of relations between Arab countries and China, especially the future of Syria-China relations," said Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad.
DAMASCUS, Sept. 22 (Xinhua) -- "The visit is very important as the international situation has changed significantly and China's role has become prominent on various levels," said Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad ahead of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's visit to China.
In an exclusive interview with Xinhua, Mekdad expressed hope that the Syrian president's visit to China can further advance the friendly relations between the two countries.
"China plays a crucial role, and our relations have developed significantly in recent years," he said.
Assad on Thursday arrived in Hangzhou, capital city of east China's Zhejiang Province, to attend the opening ceremony of the 19th Asian Games.
A girl poses with Chenchen, Congcong and Lianlian (from L to R), mascots of the 19th Asian Games, at the Gongshu Canal Sports Park in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Nov. 9, 2021. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)
Stressing that Syria firmly adheres to the one-China principle and supports the initiatives proposed by the Chinese side, Mekdad said his country expects China's greater role in global affairs.
Due to China's pursuit of an independent and impartial policy, it has gained the trust of many countries and has mediated the restoration of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, said the diplomat.
"We have confidence in China's future role in different conflict zones around the world," he said.
Regarding Arab-China relations in general, Mekdad stressed the mutually beneficial and "win-win" character of the relations.
He underscored China's substantial assistance to Arab countries, including Syria, and expressed his optimism about the future of Arab-Chinese relations, particularly in the context of Syria.
"We support Arab-Chinese cooperation frameworks, and we are very optimistic about the future of relations between Arab countries and China, especially the future of Syria-China relations," he said.
This aerial photo taken on Aug. 23, 2023 shows the Gongshu Canal Sports Park Gymnasium in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)
Speaking about the U.S. plundering of Syrian natural resources, Mekdad said that the losses incurred due to the U.S. plunder of oil, gas and other resources in Syria have amounted to 115 billion U.S. dollars, citing data from the Ministry of Oil and Mineral Resources.
"The United States and its supporters must realize that this occupation will irreversibly come to an end," he said, calling on the international community to pay attention to this issue.
As for the Asian Games, Mekdad expressed his confidence in the Syrian team's capabilities, saying "I am very optimistic that the Syrian team will be able to win several matches against the teams participating."
Mekdad also commended the extensive preparations made by the Chinese government.
"We are grateful and feel pleased with all the preparations that the Chinese government has made for the success of the games," he said.■