ALBAWABA- In a significant diplomatic move, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is set to embark on an official visit to China, marking the first visit by a Syrian leader to the allied nation in over a decade.
This visit comes in response to an official invitation from Chinese President Xi Jinping.
President al-Assad will commence their visit this Thursday, with a packed agenda that includes meetings and events in the cities of Hangzhou and Beijing.
One notable highlight of the visit is President al-Assad's expected attendance at the opening ceremony of the Asian Games in Hangzhou on the 23rd of this month, as reported by the Syrian government-affiliated newspaper Al-Watan.
China, a staunch ally of Damascus, has been a pivotal supporter of Syria, particularly in international forums like the United Nations Security Council, where it has consistently abstained from voting on resolutions contrary to Syria's interests.
This visit holds immense significance as it marks the first of its kind since 2004, signifying a unique diplomatic engagement during the ongoing Syrian conflict.
Moreover, it underscores China's position as the third non-Arab country to host President al-Assad during these turbulent years.
China has played a proactive role in engaging with Syria during the conflict, with high-level visits from Chinese officials, including the Foreign Minister.
These diplomatic developments align with broader shifts in Syria's relations with various Arab nations, including the resumption of its seat in the Arab League and President al-Assad's participation in the Arab League summit in Jeddah earlier this year.
This visit underscores China's evolving role in the Middle East's diplomatic arena and its growing influence on the global level.
