Chinese President Hu Jintao and visiting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad deeply exchanged views on bilateral ties and issues of common concern and reached extensive consensus during their talks in Beijing Tuesday.  

Hu said, China and Syria share a long tradition of friendship that is symbolized by the ancient Silk Road connecting the two countries.

After the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC) in 1949, Syria was one of the first Arab countries that recognized the PRC, Hu said.

Since the establishment of their diplomatic ties 48 years ago, Hu said, China and Syria have continuously strengthened and developed their relationship on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence.

With the frequent high-level visits and the continuous growth of trade volume between the two countries in the recent years, Hu said, the bilateral trade and economic cooperation was fruitful.

Meanwhile, the two countries enhanced their exchanges and cooperation in education, culture, and science and technology, Hu said.

He expressed his appreciation of the Syrian government's attention to cultivate relations with China and its valuable support to China on the issues of Taiwan and human rights.

Hu suggested that the two countries keep the momentum of high-level visits, expand parliamentary, party and non-governmental exchanges, and strengthen consultation and coordination between the two countries on important issues and international affairs.

Hu also suggested the two sides seek new areas for cooperation by expanding their cooperation in the fields including oil, telecommunication, agriculture and science and technology while strengthening the current cooperation in infrastructure construction, textile industry and household electric appliance manufacturing.

Hu said it is necessary for the two countries to enhance cooperation in education, culture, tourism and health, by which the two peoples could increase friendship and mutual understanding.

Bashar said China is a close friend of Syria. Syrian people admire the glorious history and culture of China as well as the great social and economic achievements reached by the Chinese people in recent years.

He said the two countries share common views and stands on many issues and Syria is willing to lay more solid basis for further development of the bilateral relations.

He said he agreed with President Hu on his suggestion on further development of the bilateral relations.

He said Syria welcomes Chinese enterprises to invest in Syria and join the economic construction in his country.

Bashar also briefed Syria's viewpoints on current situation in the Middle East.

While the Middle East peace process is stalled, China's efforts to nominate a special envoy for the Middle East issue show its sincerity for restoring the peace process in the region.

He said Syria is willing to keep frequent contact and cooperation with the Chinese side.

(Xinhua News Agency June 23, 2004)