(MENAFN) China’s top diplomat, Wang Yi, received Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani in Beijing on Monday to discuss areas of “common interests,” according to an official statement.

This marks Shaibani’s first visit to China since President Ahmad al-Sharaa formed a new government in Syria in January, following the removal of the Bashar al-Assad administration last December.

“The friendly exchanges between China and Syria have a long history, with the ancient Silk Road connecting the two peoples,” Wang told Shaibani. He emphasized that China “pursues a friendly policy towards all the Syrian people and respects the choices made by the Syrian people independently.”

Next year, the two countries will celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations. Wang and Shaibani also issued a joint statement outlining their shared objectives.

According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Wang highlighted that the nations have “vast common interests” and reaffirmed China’s commitment to the principle of non-interference in Syria’s internal affairs. He added that Syria should ensure its territory is not used in ways that could “undermine China’s national security, sovereignty, and interests.”

Wang also encouraged resuming exchanges “at all levels and in all fields” and expressed China’s willingness to support Syria’s economic reconstruction, contributing to social development and improving citizens’ livelihoods.

Shaibani described his visit as “an important step in advancing the course of partnership between our two countries.”

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