In statements published by the Syria TV website, the official revealed that the decision was taken during the recent visit to Beijing of a delegation headed by Foreign Minister Assad Hassan Shaybani.

Salibi described the trip of the head of Syrian diplomacy as the beginning of a “new era” in Syria’s foreign policy, marked by the relaunch of bilateral trade and the revitalization of diplomatic missions.

In his view, the sustained contacts in recent months paved the way for a broader agenda with China, the fifth permanent member of the UN Security Council, whose support he considers essential to avoid veto crises around the Syrian dossier.

Salibi recalled that before 2011 trade exceeded $1.5 billion, equivalent to almost 9 percent of the national budget, and stressed that the country in reconstruction urgently needs products, companies and technology from the China.

He added that Beijing promised a million-dollar donation of humanitarian aid and gave instructions to speed up the administrative and logistical preparations for the reopening of its diplomatic headquarters in Damascus.

In relation to information disseminated by AFP on the alleged delivery of 400 Uighur fighters to China, Salibi categorically denied the version and stated that “this issue was not discussed or raised at any time”.

The deputy director explained that companies interested in participating in reconstruction require detailed discussions with Beijing on security, work areas and the operation of the embassy.

He also attributed the recent Chinese position in the Security Council, without vetoing resolutions favourable to Syria, to the steady progress of bilateral agreements and to Beijing’s interest in guaranteeing the safety of its citizens and investments on Syrian territory.

Finally, Salibi reiterated the statements of President Ahmed Shara and Foreign Minister Shaybani, according to which Syria will not pose a threat to any state, including China, and its territory will not be used against third parties.

abo/jha/fm