BEIJING, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- Wu Guanzheng, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, met here Thursday with a delegation from the Baath Arab Socialist Party of Syria, led by Assistant Secretary General Abdulla al-Ahmar.

  Beginning with trade on the ancient Silk Road, the friendship between Chinese and Syrians has become deep and solid, Wu acknowledged.

  In recent years, he said, the two countries have witnessed frequent exchanges of high-profile visitors, closely cooperated with each other in international and regional affairs and achieved fruitful trade and economic cooperation.

  Meanwhile, the exchange mechanism between the CPC and the Baath Arab Socialist Party of Syria was established and developed, Wu said.

  Wu noted that China cherishes the friendly relationship and is ready to deepen multi-faceted exchanges and cooperation with Syria.He said he hopes that the relationship between the two parties will continue to evolve.

  Wu also expressed his gratitude for the Syrian party and the Syrian government for their support on the "Taiwan issue" and the "human rights issue."

  Abdulla al-Ahmar praised China for its role in international and regional affairs. He said his party and the Syrian government will always support Chinese reunification cause.

  He also said the Third International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP), hosted by the CPC in Beijing, would make new contributions to the friendship and cooperation between various Asian parties.

  The Syrian delegation is here to attend the third ICAPP, which is scheduled from Sept. 3 to 5. 

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