Syria's Al-Assad lands in China on historic visit, marks new era

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen + Agencies
21 Sep 2023 11:02
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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.

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.

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.