Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Prime Minister Mohammad Naji Otri and Foreign Minister Farouk al-Shara met separately with visiting Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing in Damascus Thursday.  

The Syrian leaders hailed the good relationship between the two countries, praising China as a trustworthy friend and partner.

They highly appreciated China's active role in safeguarding world and regional peace and stability and promoting common development.

The Syrian side reasserted its support for the one-China policy and opposition to "Taiwan independence."

They also expressed hope to learn from the successful experience of China's economic development and further deepen the cooperation between the two countries in various fields.

They appreciated China's just position on the Middle East issue and reiterated Syrian commitment to achieving peace and stability in the region.

For his part, Li said Syria and China have broad and common interest and understand and support each other.

He said China appreciates Damascus' adherence to the one-China policy and will continue to support Syria's just cause in safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Li said China will work together with Syria to implement the understandings reached between leaders of the two countries when Assad paid a historic visit to China last June.

The two countries will continue political dialogue and improve communication and cooperation in the fields of economy, culture and tourism, Li said.

The Chinese government decided to list Syria as a new destination of tourist for the Chinese citizens, Li added.

Li stressed that Syria is an important part of the Middle East peace process and expressed the hope that Syria and Israel should restart peace negotiations as soon as possible.

The two sides also discussed the reform to the United Nations and signed a bilateral agreement on economic aid to Syria.

(Xinhua News Agency June 24, 2005)