Chinese FM: Dialogue is key to solving Syria issue

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Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Friday said that countering terrorism, dialogue and reconstruction should be the focal points for resolving the Syrian issue.

Wang made the remarks in a meeting with Syria's presidential political and media advisor Bouthaina Shaaban, as the issue moves to a new development stage dominated by the process of political settlement.

"Counter-terrorism is the foundation, dialogue is the way out and reconstruction is the guarantee," Wang said.

Wang said that the recent intensive interaction among related parties on the future political arrangements in Syria will contribute to the positive outcome of the UN-sponsored Syrian political talks in Geneva.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi shakes hands with ‍Syrian government special envoy Bouthaina Shaaban‍. / Reuters Photo

Noting dialogue and negotiation are the only solution, Wang said that during the talks, "Syria's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity must be maintained, and the Syrian people's core position in the political settlement process must be protected."

As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China will participate in and support the Syrian political settlement process in accordance with Security Council resolutions.

Wang said that the international community has made important achievements in counter-terrorism cooperation, but the situation in Syria is still serious.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. / Reuters Photo

"The international community should put aside differences and continue to work together to fight against terrorist extremist groups and prevent them from spreading," he said.

"Only by steadily advancing reconstruction can we give hope to the people and guarantee the long-term stability of Syria. The international community should pay attention to and actively support the reconstruction of Syria," Wang said.

Shaaban agreed with Wang, speaking highly of China's stance.

Shaaban expressed the Syrian side's will to take part in the political solution, welcoming a larger Chinese role in the process.

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Source(s): Xinhua News Agency