Syria's Al-Assad makes first visit to ally China since outbreak of civil war

Syrian President Bashar Assad has made his first trip to China since the commencement of Syria's 12-year-long conflict, throughout which Beijing has remained a staunch supporter of his government.

According to the Times magazine, referring to China's Foreign Ministry, Assad's visit is in connection with the opening ceremony of the Asian Games, an international sporting event scheduled to begin on September 23 in the eastern tech hub of Hangzhou.

Assad is scheduled to be received by Communist Leader Xi Jinping on the sidelines of a reception banquet hosted by him for the event's attendees, where he will engage in bilateral activities.

Prominent figures from various nations such as South Korea, Cambodia, Nepal, Kuwait, Timor-Leste, and Malaysia are set to journey to China for the occasion.

China has been intensifying its diplomatic initiatives in the Middle East, with a notable achievement being its role in facilitating a thaw in relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia in March.

Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning stated that Assad's presence in China will "further deepen political mutual trust and cooperation in various fields between the two countries and push bilateral relations to a new level”.

She also noted that China and Syria share “a tradition of profound friendship”, which has “maintained a healthy and stable development” over the years.