Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem (1st R, front) delivers a speech during a reception hosted by the Chinese embassy in Damascus, Syria, on Sept. 23, 2019. During a reception held by the Chinese embassy in Damascus on Monday evening to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem said that the Syrian government wants to benefit from the achievements of China in economic development. (Xinhua/Zheng Yihan)
DAMASCUS, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- While hailing "excellent" diplomatic relations with China, the Syrian government said that it is looking forward to deepening its economic cooperation with China.
During a reception held by the Chinese embassy in Damascus on Monday evening to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem said that the Syrian government wants to benefit from the achievements of China in economic development.
"We are looking forward to a deep partnership with the People's Republic of China because we want to benefit from the achievements that have been made by the Chinese people. Our political relations are excellent and therefore we want similar economic relations," al-Moallem told Xinhua.
Buthaina Shabaan, Syrian presidential political advisor, said that China will play a key role in shaping a multipolar world.
"We know that in the next decade we will have a multipolar world and China will be having a leading role in that world, and we hope that the China-Syria relations and the China-Arab relations could witness more progress, success and mutual work," Shabaan told Xinhua.
She said the the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative offers opportunities to other countries to achieve development.
"The Belt and Road Initiative is a chance for all world countries to take part in the economic, social and political development in the future," Shabaan said.
"I am personally looking forward to a different future for humanity and China is playing a key role in shaping that future," she added.
Mohammad Hamsho, secretary-general of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce, said that the China-Syria relations are witnessing growth on the economic level.
"Today the China-Syria economic relations are witnessing a positive growth on the levels of imports and investments that have already started in Syria," he told Xinhua.
Hamsho said China has set an example for other countries to follow in order to achieve successes in seeking development.
"The Chinese experience is so clear and is an example that is set forward so that other countries could benefit and increase their production in a way similar to that of China," Hamsho said.
