China, Syria to sign agreements

China and Syria will sign a series of agreements on bilateral cooperation during Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's upcoming visit to Chinaon June 21 to 25, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue here Tuesday.

At a regular press conference, Zhang said that during Bashar's stay in China, Chinese President Hu Jintao will hold talks with him and Chairman of China's National People's Congress Standing Committee Wu Bangguo and Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao are expected to also meet with him. The two sides will exchange opinions on bilateral relations, international issues and other issues of common concern.

Zhang said China and Syria have long-standing friendly cooperative relations. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties, the two countries cooperated in various fields. The bilateral economic and trade relations have developed rapidly in recent years.

China hopes to further enhance cooperation with Syria in various areas, she said.

Zhang said during Bashar's visit, China and Syria will sign agreements on bilateral cooperation in the fields of trade, public health, radio, film and television. Relevant departments of the two sides will also hold talks and exchanges over the details of cooperation.

She noted that besides Beijing, Bashar will also visit Shanghai. She hoped Bashar's China visit will promote the Sino-Syrian friendly cooperative relations to a new stage. Source: Xinhua