China to Continue Efforts for Mideast Peace: Vice-President Hu

China to Continue Efforts for Mideast Peace: Vice-President Hu

---

China will, as always, continue to make its due efforts along with the international community for the realization of an early resolution to the Middle East issue.

Chinese Vice-President Hu Jintao made this remark Monday afternoon in talks with Vice-President Abdul Halim Khaddam of the Syrian Arab Republic, who is here on an official visit as Hu's guest.

Touching upon the Mideast peace process, Hu said that the situation in the Middle East has been strained since September last year, and the peace process is severely stagnant, adding that China is deeply concerned over this.

China condemns Israel for its use of force against Palestine and its infringement upon Lebanon's sovereignty, Hu pointed out, voicing his hope that the parties concerned can stop conflicts and resume peace talks at an early date.

He noted that China, as a sincere friend of the Arab states, has always supported the restoration of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, the just cause of the Arab people, and the just demand of Syria for the recovery of the Golan Heights.

Khaddam briefed Hu on the latest developments in the situation in the Middle East, saying that Syria is keen to realize peace in the region on the basis of relevant resolutions of the United Nations on the Mideast issue.

He voiced his appreciation for the Chinese government and people's consistent support for the just cause of the Arab people, adding his hope that China can play a bigger role in this process.

Bilateral ties

China values its long-term friendship with Syria, and is willing to make unremitting efforts with that Mideast country to expand cooperation and push ahead their bilateral cooperative relations in the new century, Hu said.

Hu recalled his visit to Syria earlier this year, and expressed thanks for the hospitality of the Syrian government and people.

"This year marks the 45th anniversary of the forging of Sino- Syrian diplomatic ties," Hu said, adding that such ties have withstood the test of time as well as changes in the international arena.

The past 45 years have witnessed frequent contacts between high- level officials of the two countries as well as fruitful bilateral cooperation in all sectors, Hu said. "China and Syria have supported each other and shown sincerity in all-round cooperation, " he added.

Sino-Syrian ties have maintained a good momentum for development in the new century, as a result of the ceaseless efforts of the two governments as well as the two peoples, Hu said.

"The Chinese government appreciates the Syrian government's adherence to the 'one China' policy and the support it renders for China's reunification," Hu said.

He also expressed thanks for Syria's firm support for China on human rights and other issues.

Khaddam said relations between Syria and China have experienced constant growth since the two countries forged diplomatic ties in 1956. The frequent exchanges of visits between leaders of the two countries in recent years have strongly enhanced bilateral cooperation, he said.

He spoke highly of China's achievements in its economic development, and expressed willingness to further cooperation with China in diverse sectors.

Regarding Sino-Syrian trade relations, Hu said economic and trade cooperation between the two countries has recorded significant growth in recent years, thanks to the joint efforts of the two sides. Bilateral trade is on the rise, and there are more areas for cooperation.

Hu stressed that economic and trade cooperation between China and Syria has great potential, as the two countries are highly complementary in this regard. China is willing to explore with Syria new modes, new areas and new ways for expanding bilateral trade cooperation on the principle of equality, reciprocity and efficiency, he said.

Khaddam expressed satisfaction at the growth of bilateral trade and economic relations, saying that the sound political relations between Syria and China have laid a solid foundation for the two countries to expand cooperation in the economic and trade sectors. Syria wishes to further its cooperation with China in the industrial, agricultural and water conservancy sectors for the benefits of the two peoples, he said.

Prior to their talks, Hu presided over a welcoming ceremony for Khaddam, who arrived here Sunday afternoon on a five-day official visit as Hu's guest.