On July 17, 2021 local time, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad met with State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who was on an official visit to Syria, in Damascus.

Wang conveyed President Xi Jinping's cordial greetings to Bashar. Wang Yi expressed, under Mr. President's leadership, the Syrian people have made valuable achievements in combating terrorism and opposing external interference after indomitable struggles. Mr. President's re-election reflects the strong trust and support of the Syrian people, and demonstrates the iron will of the Syrian people in defiance of power politics. The Syrian people are backboned and dignified, and any blatant foreign interventions in Syria have failed in the past and will not succeed in the future. He believes that the Syrian people will be more united and committed to the reconstruction and revitalization of their country.

Wang Yi said, since the establishment of diplomatic ties 65 years ago, China and Syria have always trusted and supported each other, defending the legitimate rights and interests of the two countries, and safeguarding international fairness and justice. China appreciates Syria's firm support on the issues related to China's core interests and major concerns. Under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, China stands ready to cooperate with Syria in carrying forward the traditional friendship and promoting mutually beneficial cooperation for the benefit of the two peoples.

Wang Yi pointed out, China strongly supports Syria in safeguarding state sovereignty, territorial integrity and national dignity, and opposes any attempt to seek "regime change" in Syria; China firmly supports Syria in properly handling domestic problems under the "Syrian-led, Syrian-owned" principle established by the UN Security Council, and in formulating an inclusive and united political solution; China will firmly support Syria in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to provide the country with vaccines and other medical supplies; China firmly supports Syria in improving the well-being of the Syrian people and speeding up the reconstruction process, while welcoming Syria to become a new partner in jointly building the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI); China firmly supports Syria in opposing unilateral sanctions, alleviating its humanitarian dilemma and combating terrorist forces in any form. China is willing to strengthen communication and cooperation with Syria to help the country improve its counter-terrorism capacity, and firmly supports Syria in playing a due role in regional and international affairs.

Bashar asked Wang to convey his sincere greetings to President Xi Jinping while congratulating again on the 100th anniversary of the Communist Party of China (CPC), and spoke highly of the CPC in leading the Chinese people onto the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, providing a brand-new choice of governance model for the developing countries. Bashar said, you are the first foreign guest I received after I was re-elected as president. Syria sincerely appreciates China's great help and its fair position on the Syrian issue. With the support of righteous forces including China, Syria has withstood external interference and weathered the most difficult period. Syria, always regarding China as a sincere partner and friend, is committed to deepening its friendly cooperation with China and supports China unconditionally on the issues related to Taiwan, Xinjiang and Hong Kong. Syria hopes to take part in the joint BRI construction, strengthen cooperation with China in the fields of economy, science, culture and education, and join hands in fighting terrorism. Bashar thanks China for providing humanitarian aid for Syria and expects to increase party to party exchanges with China to learn from the CPC's success. Syria is willing to make its due contributions to promoting peace and stability of the region.

On the same day, Wang Yi also held talks with Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mikdad and attended the signing ceremony of bilateral cooperation documents.