By Manal El Warraky
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, held a joint press conference with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aati, following the strategic dialogue between the two sides, which is being held in Beijing.
In response to a journalist’s question about the current situation in Syria, Wang Yi stressed that China is following with great interest the latest developments in Syria, noting that China has always adhered to a policy of friendship and cooperation with Syria without interfering in its internal affairs.
He explained that China respects the choice of the Syrian people and supports achieving peace in the country as soon as possible, through implementing UN Security Council Resolution No. 2254, which calls for the resumption of the national political process.
Wang Yi pointed out that the political solution in Syria must be based on the principle of “leadership and ownership by the Syrian people,” stressing the need to involve all Syrian parties in the comprehensive dialogue in order to find a plan to rebuild the country, in line with the will of the Syrian people.
He added that China stresses the need for Syria to reject terrorism and extremist forces in all their forms.
The Chinese minister also called on the international community to respect Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, while preserving the national and religious traditions that distinguish the Syrian people.
He stressed that the Syrian people should be the ones who make decisions about the future of their country, away from any external interference.
In this context, Wang Yi stressed the need for the countries of the world to extend a helping hand to Syria, and work to lift the unilateral and illegal sanctions imposed on the country over the years, with the aim of alleviating the deteriorating humanitarian conditions suffered by the Syrian people.
Wang Yi concluded his speech by stressing that China will continue to support Syria in its quest to achieve stability and development, and will continue to enhance cooperation with relevant countries to alleviate the suffering of the Syrian people and achieve peace in the region.
