On June 21, 2023, Ambassador Fu Cong, Head of the Chinese Mission to the EU, met with Ammar Al Arsan, Chargé d'Affaires of the Syrian Mission to the EU. They had an in-depth exchange of views on China-Syria relations, EU-Syria relations and other issues.

Ambassador Fu said that China and Syria are good partners and brothers. Over the 67 years of diplomatic ties, China and Syria have rendered each other mutual trust and support, not only defending the legitimate rights and interests of both countries but also safeguarding international justice and equity. The independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria should be effectively respected and upheld. China urges the United States and Western countries to immediately lift the unilateral sanctions and economic blockade imposed on Syria and calls on the international community to provide humanitarian and development aid to the Syrian people in good faith. After the devastating earthquake that struck Syria earlier this year, China has actively assisted in earthquake relief efforts. Recently, Chinese government’s aid, including food and prefabricated houses, has arrived in Damascus. China will continue to support and assist the Syrian people in overcoming various challenges as soon as possible to enable recovery and reconstruction.

Mr. Arsan stated that Syria highly appreciates China’s firm support for Syria in safeguarding its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as its opposition to external interference in the internal affairs of Syria. Syria sincerely thanks China for its support in economic development and livelihood improvement, especially for its immediate assistance in the wake of the earthquake. Syria congratulates China on its success in mediating Saudi-Iran relations, expresses gratitude for China’s active efforts to enhance Syria’s relations with other Arab countries and welcomes China’s greater role in maintaining regional peace and stability.

The two sides also had an in-depth exchange of views on the Palestinian issue, the Ukraine crisis and other issues.