Syria's FM highlights relations with China

Syria's Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem on Wednesday stressed the need to develop relations between Syria and China on different levels, according to state news agency SANA.

The minister made the remarks during his meeting with visiting Special Envoy of the Chinese Government on Syrian issue, Xie Xiaoyan, who arrived in Syria earlier in the day for talks with top Syrian officials.

Al-Moallem said that China's aid contributes in alleviating the suffering of the Syrian people amid the economic sanctions imposed on the country by the Western powers.

He said such sanctions have had negative impact on the Syrian economy and the country's infrastructure.

The minister introduced developments on the battlefields, particularly the current military campaign in the northern city of Aleppo, stressing his government's resolve to continue battling against the terrorist groups.

He underscored the work of establishing a political solution to the Syrian crisis through dialogue and under a Syrian leadership far from foreign intervention, stressing the need for the international community to exert efforts to fight terrorism.

He also expressed gratitude for the double veto by China and Russia at the UN Security Council against a resolution proposed by the Western countries to establish a truce in Aleppo.

A day earlier, Syria's Foreign Ministry said the veto has hindered an attempt by the foreign powers to give a chance for the terrorists in eastern Aleppo to regroup and empower themselves.

It came as the Syrian army has become in control of two thirds of the rebel-held areas in eastern Aleppo, as part of major offensive launched recently to liberate the eastern part of the city from any rebel presence. Endit