President Xi Jinping met with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in Hangzhou. The two heads of state jointly announced the establishment of the China-Syria strategic partnership. Syria was one of the first Arab countries to establish diplomatic relations with New China. China is willing to work with Syria to continuously enrich the connotation of bilateral relations and promote the continuous development of China- Syria strategic partnership, Xi Jinping said.. Exclusive video: President Xi Jinping meets Syrian President al- Assad: Establishing a China-Asia strategic partnership;. Exclusive video: Syrian President Assad: I hope that our meeting today can lead to extensive, long-term strategic cooperation.