Syria's Al-Assad lands in China on historic visit, marks new era
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President al-Assad's trip will include a Syria-Chinese summit where a number of agreements are expected to be signed between the two countries.
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Syria President Bashar Al-Assad alongside his wife Asma Al-Assad during their trip to Hangzhou, China on September 21, 2023 (Social media)
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad touched down in Hangzhou's China on Thursday, embarking on his first official visit to the Asian nation in nearly two decades as Damascus continues to break its Western-imposed isolation.
The visit holds immense diplomatic significance, as it paves the way for a Syrian-Chinese summit of paramount importance, and comes in response to an official invitation from his Chinese counterpart, President Xi Jinping, exemplifying the warming relations between the two nations.
Al-Assad's arrival in China underscores the evolving dynamics of international relations and Syria's renewed commitment to strengthen ties with key global partners.
The Syrian leader is accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising political and economic figures, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of the trip. Multiple industrial agreements between the two countries are expected to happen during the trip.
Read more: China calls for lifting of US sanctions on Syria instead of suspension
Several meetings will be held with senior Chinese officials in the cities of Hangzhou, and later Beijing. Al-Assad is also scheduled to attend the opening ceremony of the Hangzhou 2023 Asian Games on Saturday.
President Assad, first lady Asmaa, and a senior delegation have arrived in #China for meetings in Beijing and Changzhou. Presidents Assad and Xi will also hold a #Syrian-#Chinese summit during the visit.#Syria pic.twitter.com/q3q2EtVS6o
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) September 21, 2023
In April, the Syrian leader received Chinese special envoy Chai Jun in Damascus, during which he praised China's pivotal role in global issues, such as providing a balancing political and economic presence. He also commended the development of Russian-Chinese relations and considered that these growing ties, alongside the BRICS alliance, allow for the creation of a strong multipolar international order.
Syrian and Chinese officials had previously discussed several infrastructure projects, especially in energy, mining, transportation, and water plants.
Read more: US must withdraw troops, stop plundering of oil in Syria: China
