At an event in Damascus this week, Syria announced its participation in the Belt and Road Initiative through a memorandum of understanding signed by Syrian Planning and International Cooperation Authority Chair Fadi al-Khalil and China’s Ambassador to Syria, Feng Biao.
“Syria was one of the foundational nations of the ancient Silk Road, especially the cities of Aleppo and Palmyra,” said Khalil, who added that the agreement would bring about “the strengthening of the joint cooperation within the relations of our two friendly countries.”
Even as U.S. sanctions and military operations devastated the nation, Syria continued to enjoy relations with China, which has provided investment and humanitarian assistance. As centralized state sovereignty over Syrian territory strengthens, China will see more opportunities for collaboration.
This week’s agreement follows Xi Jinping’s phone call with Syrian President Assad in November, and Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s trip to Damascus last summer.
