Iran Press/Middle East: Speaking at the meeting on Sunday in Damascus, President Bashar al-Assad said the Western-backed war against Syria is now morphing to an economic and sanctions war. President Assad pointedly added: "Political instruments have changed. Previously disputes were solved through dialogue and negotiations, but today we see that Western countries are trying to solve disputes by cutting business and economic relations, slapping sanctions and aiding and abetting terrorists to further their own political objectives. The West is using Terrorism as a tool."
At this meeting, both officials emphasized on strengthening of political, economic, commercial, military and cultural ties between Damascus and Beijing.
For his part, the Deputy Chinese Foreign Minister Chen Xiao Deng stressed that Beijing looks upon relations with Damascus from a strategic point of view.
Chen Xiao Deng emphasized that with conditions in Syria improving, and given Syria's victory over the Western-backed terrorists, China is keen to assist Syria in its reconstruction efforts. Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Xiao Deng added: "China stands by Syria, and is ready to assist Damascus." 211/103
