During his meeting with Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang in Beijing, President Bashar al-Assad reaffirmed Syria's commitment to pivoting East, SANA reported. 

President al-Assad stated that this shift is rooted in the belief that the East serves as a political, cultural, and economic safeguard for Syria.

Highlighting the deep-rooted friendship and trust between Syria and China, President al-Assad underscored their shared principles as the foundation for their bilateral relationship, expressing his conviction that these principles provide a solid footing for advancing into the future together.

President al-Assad also discussed the potential for strengthening ties between the two nations by embracing three initiatives proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping. These initiatives aim to enhance cooperation in economic and cultural spheres and foster joint investment projects as part of China's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative.

Furthermore, the Syrian President said most countries in the world are looking forward to the Chinese yuan becoming a global currency, especially since the dollar has become a Western geopolitical weapon.

The Syrian leader expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Chinese government for its unwavering support, both in Syria's battle against terrorism and in addressing the challenges posed by the devastating earthquake that struck the nation in February.

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On Friday, Chinese President Xi Jinping said China and Syria announced the establishment of a strategic partnership. 

For the first time since 2004, Syria's leader landed on Thursday at China's Hangzhou airport, on what was described as a historic visit. 

Al-Assad is accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising political and economic figures, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of the trip.

Read more: US sanctions stifle rapprochement between Syria, Arab countries