China to Work with Syria to Promote Cooperation: Hu JintaoVisiting Chinese Vice President Hu Jintao said Wednesday in Damascus that China is willing to make joint efforts together with Syria to promote their friendly cooperation to a higher level in the new century.Speaking at a banquet hosted by Syria President Bashar al-Assad in his honor, Hu said the two countries and their peoples have forged sincere and firm friendship on the basis of mutual understanding and respect over the past half a century. This year marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Syria. Hu said the recent years have seen continuous development of friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries and increased exchange of high-level visits. China appreciates Syria's policy of actively expanding ties with China, Hu said, adding Chinese government and people attach great importance to promoting relations with Syria in all fields. He spoke highly of late Syrian President Hafez al-Assad's contribution to his country's prosperity and to the cause of Middle East peace. "We are of the belief that under the leadership of President Bashar, Syria government and people will surely carry on the past and open a way for future...and build Syria a greater country," he added. Bashar extended warm welcome to his Chinese guests. He said Syria was one of the first Arab countries who established diplomatic ties with the People's Republic of China, and there have been satisfactory development of relations in political, economic and trade, and scientific and technological fields between the two sides. He believed that the Chinese vice president's visit will consolidate and strengthen the friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries and push them to a higher level. Also present at the grand banquet were Syria's First Vice President Abdel Halim Khaddame, Vice Present Mohammed Zouhair Musharaqah, Prime Minister Mohammed Mustafa Miro and all cabinet members, and the Chinese delegation. The Chinese vice president arrived here earlier Wednesday on a three-day official visit. He had visited Iran and will continue his five-nation tour to Jordan, Cyprus and Uganda. |
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