President Bashar al Assad hopes dialogue between Syria and the United States will continue. He has met a number of U.S. officials, the latest one being the speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. While being eager to conduct dialogue with the United States, Bashar always puts Syria’s independence, freedom and national interests first. We do not stand against the United States or Americans. What we are opposed to is the Bush administration’s expansionary policy in the Middle East. We reject the wrong policies the United States adopted toward Iraq, Lebanon and the Palestinian territories. These mistaken policies, together with the Iraq War, have caused many problems for the Iraqis and other peoples in the entire region. The United States should adopt just, unselfish policies toward the Middle East instead of seeking expansion in the region.

How will Syria continue to contribute to the Middle East peace process?

We call for the implementation of legitimate international resolutions to end aggression and occupation. Syria backs the initiatives put forward by Arab countries to resolve the conflict between Arabs and Israelis and realize peace in the Middle East. We stand for national reconciliation in Iraq and Lebanon and unity among Palestinians.

All in all, Syria supports all the elements conducive to lasting, comprehensive and just peace in the Middle East. The precondition for peace in the Middle East is Israel’s withdrawal from the Arab territories it seized, thus returning the land back to its rightful owners.

What role does Syria play in the Arab world of today?

Syria’s role in the Arab world is to unite the Arab countries. It stands ready to promote unity in the Arab world and the establishment of good relations between the Arab states. It calls on the Arab world to resolve all disputes by peaceful means while underscoring the importance of patriotic unity. It also encourages Arab states to pursue economic and trade cooperation, work toward a common Arab market and execute common development projects.

Syria is the only foreign country where Arabs can travel visa free. It will host the Arab League summit in March next year. Syria remains one of the most important contributors to the unity of the Arab world.

How would you define current China-Syria relations in the economic, political and cultural spheres?

Relations between Syria and China have always been in good shape. Politically, the two countries support and coordinate with each other on a variety of issues. China supports Syria’s efforts to restore the Golan Heights and realize peace in the Middle East according to the “land for peace” principle. It also stands for the peace initiatives adopted by Arab League summits in Beirut and Riyadh. We highly appreciate China’s support for the Palestinian people. Syria, for its part, adheres to the one-China policy and maintains that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China. It backs China’s position on human rights, too. In 2004, President Bashar paid an official visit to China as the first-ever Syrian president to visit China. In early 2001, the then Chinese Vice President Hu Jintao visited Syria. These bilateral exchanges paved the way for the development of the two countries’ relations.

Trade relations between Syria and China have made great strides in recent years. Bilateral trade volume soared from some $200 million in 2001 to $1.2 billion last year. The Syria-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade will convene in Syria at the end of June to discuss a series of issues bearing on the development of the economic and trade relations between the two countries. Over 100 Chinese companies are operating in or have established cooperative ties with Syria. Hundreds of Syrian business people are working in China. At present, we are also preparing for the first Syria-China entrepreneurs’ fair. The event is set to open up new prospects for the two countries’ economic and trade relations.

In the cultural sphere, Syrian and Chinese authors and artists frequently visit each other’s countries. Cooperative agreements have been signed in the fields of education and journalism. Tourism is emerging as a new area for bilateral cooperation, as Syria has become an authorized destination for outbound Chinese tourists. A large promotion attended by visiting Syrian minister of tourism was held in Beijing on June 20 this year. Travel agencies of the two countries took this occasion to explore business opportunities.

As far as China-Syria relations are concerned, what would President Bashar focus on in his next term? What major areas can be exploited for potential cooperation between China and Syria?

President Bashar closely follows the development of Syria-China relations. He sees great value in developing all-round cooperation with China. I am sure he will continue to foster Syria’s relations with China in his next term. We hope that the two countries’ top leaders will exchange visits and that the countries’ trade volume will continue to rise in the coming years.

Bashar sees China as a friendly country. He is keen to develop Syria-China relations. We would like to have more Chinese companies in Syria, especially companies engaged in telecommunications, advanced technology, oil, natural gas and food. Syria is the largest importer of Chinese cars. To date, some 40,000 Chinese cars have been imported. Although the cars were brought in by business people, the government has given them a lot of support. We welcome Chinese automakers in launching businesses in Syria or teaming up with Syrian partners.