Syrian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Walid Al-Moualem visited China this week. CGTN’s reporter Su Yuting sat down to talk with Walid Al-Moualem for more on the Syrian situation.

Su: First of all, we would like to extend a warm welcome to you on your visit to China. Your trip coincides with the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. How would you assess the achievements China has made over the past 70 years? What is the significance of China's development to the world? 

Al-Moualem: Without doubt, we are happy to see the Chinese people's achievements in many fields. It's serving the international society and the economic growth in the world, especially after the initiative the President of China called "the Belt and Road." It's an initiative which aims to establish peace and security, stability and growth in many countries in the world, so we are happy to see China celebrating 70 years of establishment, and I want to assure you that Syria was from the very first countries to recognize China and establish diplomatic relations.

Su: Currently, as Syria’s situation becomes increasingly stable, China and Syria are enjoying promising prospects for the development of their bilateral relations. What are your expectations for that relationship? In which fields do you think China and Syria can deepen their cooperation?

Al-Moualem: First, we have a very good political relationship. China supported Syria in the UN Security Council and we voted through the right of veto many American attempts to harm Syria. In the economic field, we started to establish a strong base of economic cooperation. And also, we have good cooperation in the security field. I think in Syria's program of rebuilding the country, we have got the opportunities for investment and for the Chinese companies to participate in this program, and this is main subject of my visit. 

Su: The Syrian uncertainty has lasted for many years and has brought in huge obstacles for the country's development. What plans does the Syrian government have for reconstruction? How would you evaluate China's role in supporting Syria's reconstruction process and improving its humanitarian situation?

Al-Moualem: First of all, today, the Syrian government controls more than 80 percent of the Syrian territories, and these are peaceful zones. So I can assure you that security prevails in this space. Here we invite Chinese to invest in this place because it's secure and it's positive in both directions for the Syrian people and the Chinese people. So I expect in the very near future, this relationship can find its way in implementing what we agree upon.

Su: Could you please give us some illustrations of your major plans for the reconstruction of your country?

Al-Moualem: It's built on what the terrorists destroyed regarding the infrastructure of the economy. This means refineries, roads, railway and airport connecting cities in highways. I noticed that China has progressed very well in these fields, so for that we have the ambition to see what the Chinese companies are working on in these fields. We have also had cooperation in agriculture, energy, oil and natural gas fields.

Su: There have been sustained tensions in the Middle East, which weren't resolved for a long time. What do you think were the main reasons behind that?

Al-Moualem: The American Hegemony is the reason behind all problems in the Middle East. In fact, they are interfering in the Arab world directly and indirectly for their own purposes. In Syria, for example, they embargo on us, economic sanction, and they are helping the terrorists by financing them, by arming them through Turkey to prolong the crisis in Syria. This action of the U.S. is not building healthy relationships between the countries of the world, and it's not serving peace and stability in many regions. And we believe that we and China are on the same boat versus the American economic sanction.

Su: What should be done by countries and regions to maintain regional peace and stability?

Al-Moualem: First to prevent foreign interference, especially from the U.S. Second, to deepen our cooperation with country like China, Russia, Iran, and India and other countries, because this will help in combating international terrorism and serving to establish peace and security in the region.