Beijing: China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi hosted Syria's top diplomat Asaad al-Shaibani in Beijing on Monday to discuss "common interests," an official statement said. This is the first trip to China by Shaibani since President Ahmad al-Sharaa formed a government in Syria in January, following the ouster of the Bashar al-Assad regime last December.

According to Anadolu Agency, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning stated that Wang Yi highlighted the "vast common interests" between China and Syria. Wang emphasized China's commitment to non-interference in internal affairs and expressed a desire to realign bilateral relations. He urged Syria to ensure its territory is not used for activities that could threaten China's national security, sovereignty, and interests.

Wang Yi remarked on the historical ties between the two nations, referencing the ancient Silk Road, and expressed China's willingness to engage in Syria's economic reconstruction, social development, and improvement of livelihoods. This visit also marks a significant step as the two countries prepare to celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations next year.

Shaibani described his visit as pivotal for enhancing the partnership between the two countries. On the social media platform X, he shared that his discussions with Wang were "constructive" and opened new avenues for supporting Syria's reconstruction efforts. He conveyed Damascus's gratitude for China's steadfast support for Syria's unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

The visit is part of Syria's broader strategy to strengthen ties with regional and international partners and to alleviate economic and political sanctions as the nation seeks to rebuild after over a decade of civil war.