Wang Yi Holds Video Meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad

On July 15, 2022, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a video meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad.

Wang Yi said, China is ready to work with Syria to follow through on the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, and promote the sustained, steady and sound development of China-Syria relations. China will continue to speak up for Syria's efforts to safeguard sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national dignity, and support Syria in improving relations with its neighboring countries. China wishes Syria an early restoration of peace and stability and an early return to the big family of the League of Arab States.

Wang Yi said, with no fear of power politics, the Syrian people resolutely defend national interests and always stand tall and firm in the Middle East region, demonstrating the tenacity and perseverance of the nation. The political settlement of the Syrian issue should follow the "Syrian-led, Syrian-owned" principle, and the future of Syria should be independently decided by the Syrian people. The international community should provide humanitarian assistance for Syria without any political strings attached to help Syria's recovery and reconstruction.

Mekdad wishes the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) a complete success, expressing the belief that under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, the CPC will surely lead the Chinese people to make greater progress and successfully achieve the second centenary goal. He extended congratulations on the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China. The Syrian side firmly supports China in safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and resolutely opposes external forces interfering in China's internal affairs. Rumors about Xinjiang, Hong Kong and Xizang spread by the United States and other Western countries will fall apart.

Mekdad said, the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative both put forward by President Xi Jinping will open up broad prospects for peace, development and cooperation in the world, and Syria firmly supports and stands ready to actively participate in the two initiatives. China has always upheld a rational and impartial position, helped small and medium-sized countries develop together, and played an active role in promoting multipolarity in the world and human development and progress. One who upholds justice enjoys much support, and justice will prevail. Syria is ready to strengthen coordination with China, firmly support multilateralism, and strive for a world where hegemony and power politics are kept away and all countries can enjoy peace, security and stability together.

Wang Yi said, the world should have less hegemony and more cooperation, less unilateral acts and more multilateralism, and no more wars but lasting peace. China firmly supports the people of the Middle East to explore development paths independently, and supports countries in the Middle East in resolving regional security problems through unity and self-improvement. China believes that brothers and sisters in the Middle East have the ability and wisdom to maintain the overall peace and stability and solve problems left over from history. The United States and other Western countries should quit their old habits, and stop willfully pointing fingers at and interfering in Middle East affairs and trying to transform this region with their own standards. They should truly respect the sovereignty of regional countries and by truly proceeding from the needs of regional people, do things conducive to peace and development in the region.

Wang Yi stressed, the Palestinian question is the core of the Middle East issue and should not be forgotten by the international community, let alone be marginalized. The plight of the Palestinian people should not continue. China is ready to strengthen coordination with all parties to push the Palestinian question back to the priority of the international agenda.