Chinese Vice-President Hu Jintao said that China will continue to make unremitting efforts to push for a comprehensive, just and long-lasting settlement of the Middle East issue.
Hu made the remark here Friday in a meeting with a delegation of Syria's ruling party, the Baath Arab Socialist Party (BASP), led by its Assistant General Secretary Abdollah Al Ahmar.
Hu, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, noted that this year marks the 45th anniversary of Sino-Syrian diplomatic ties.
He described the bilateral relations as progressing well, with efforts from the leaders of both countries.
The two sides have maintained frequent high-level visits, and bilateral exchanges and cooperation have been expanding in recent years, Hu said.
He stressed that the CPC attaches great importance to developing friendly cooperation with the BASP, saying that the furthering of mutual exchanges and cooperation between the two ruling parties are not only conducive to their respective party building and state construction, but also serves the all-round development of the relationship between the two countries.
Ahmar said that Syria and China enjoy a traditional friendship. The political relations between the two parties are solid, and the two sides share a broad consensus on regional and international issues.
The bilateral cooperation in various areas has brought tangible interests to the peoples of the two countries, he said, adding that his party is willing to strengthen contacts with the CPC and to further the bilateral friendly cooperation.
Hu reiterated China's position on the Middle East issue. He pointed out that China supports the Arab people's just struggle, and supports the struggle of the Palestinian people to regain their legal national rights.
China also supports the Syrian people's demand for the return of the Golan Heights, Hu added.
Ahmar spoke positively of China's position on the Middle East issue, and thanked China for its resolute support for the just cause of the Arab people.
Ahmar hopes that China realize its complete reunification at an early date.
(People's Daily 04/28/2001)
