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Bashar al-Assad is the second international leader to land in Hangzhou. The Syrian president's office said in a statement that he was invited to attend the Asian Games by Chinese President Xi Jinping. Assad is being accompanied by a high-ranking Syrian delegation on what is his first official visit to China since 2004. Syria signed on to participate in the Belt and Road Initiative last year. Both countries are seeking to strengthen links in commerce, finance and culture under the framework. The bond has strengthened as China offered assistance in the aftermath of the deadly earthquake that struck Syria and Turkiye in February. President Assad's visit comes in the wake of the landmark deal between Saudi Arabia and Iran that was mediated by China and which analysts say has sparked a flurry of diplomacy in the Middle East. Experts say President Assad's visit to China is intended to help extend his country's influence in the Middle East and deepen areas of cooperation with China. China's Foreign Ministry says welcoming galas and bilateral activities will be held on the sidelines of the Asian Games opening ceremony.
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Copyright © 2023 CGTN. 京ICP备16065310号
Disinformation report hotline: 010-85061466