Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has hailed China's pragmatic policy approach, saying it has helped deliver results and stands in stark contrast to the "empty words" of the West. He cites China's role in the restoration of ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran, a move that heralds more peace in the conflict-ridden Middle East. He also says that the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative offer guiding principles for the new world. The Syrian president made the remarks in an interview with CMG's Zou Yun during his visit to China.