国内英语新闻:Chinese top political advisor vows to boost ties with Syria

DAMASCUS, Oct. 31 (Xinhua) -- China's top political advisor Jia Qinglin on Sunday vowed to promote political, economic ties and people-to-people contact with Syria.

Jia, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, made the pledge when holding talks with Suleiman Kaddah, vice chairman of the National Progressive Front.

Jia hailed the traditional friendship and current cooperation between China and Syria in political, economic, cultural and education sectors and on international affairs, saying the similar experience of the two states in history helped to facilitate mutual understanding and support.

China appreciates Syria's adherence to the one-China policy and its support to China on issues related to China's core interests and major concern, Jia said.

China also supports the just cause of Syria for safeguarding its national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and backs Syria in resuming the exercise of full sovereignty on the Golan Heights at an early date, Jia said.

Jia suggested the two sides strengthen political exchanges and mutual trust, and expand economic and trade cooperation.

"China encourages qualified Chinese enterprises with good credits to invest or set up factories in Syria, and supports Syria to export more to China," he said.

Jia also proposed the two sides increase consultation on regional and international affairs, jointly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of the two states and of other developing countries, push for a new, fair and reasonable international political and economic order, and promote the friendly cooperation between China and Arabian and Islamic countries.

Jia suggested the two nations boost exchange at people-to-people and local levels, and promote cooperation in such fields as media, culture, education, academy and tourism.

Kaddah, in his turn, applauded Syria's friendship and cooperation with China, saying China is playing an important role in safeguarding the world peace.

Syria appreciates China for its long-standing position of settling international disputes through dialogue and enhancing mutually beneficial cooperation among all countries, he said.

Kaddah reiterated Syria's stance on issues that concern China's core interests, saying Syria will constantly abide by the one-China policy.

Jia and Kaddah both pledged to promote exchanges and cooperation between the CPPCC and the National Progressive Front.