Chinese FM calls for political solution to Syria crisis

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday called for a political solution to the Syria crisis.

Wang made the appeal at a meeting with Syrian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem at UN headquarters in New York.

China attaches importance to developing relations with Syria and believes that the international community should respect the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Syria, Wang said.

"China is willing to continue to make positive efforts for the political settlement of the Syrian issue, and provide assistance to the Syrian people and refugees," he said.

With recent important changes in the geopolitical environment and hot issues emerging in the Middle East, all parties started to pay more attention to the evolution of the situation. At the same time, more and more countries realize that a political solution is the final solution to the Syrian issue, he said.

A new round of diplomacy and counter-terrorism operations are taking place. China hopes that all parties, including Syria, can seize the opportunity to support the UN-led mediation efforts so as to narrow the gap between different parties and formulate a package to solve the Syria crisis, he said.

China has always been a friend of all peoples in the Middle East. China has no self-interest in the Middle East, so China is willing to play a constructive role, on a fair and objective stance, in finding a political solution to hot spot issues, he said.

Al-Moallem said that the bilateral relations are deep and strong. Syria appreciates China's positive role in the Syrian issue and looks forward to seeing that China, together with the international community, continue to actively promote the process of political settlement and support the Syrian people in rebuilding their homes. Endi