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What Role Can China Play in Post-War Economic Reconstruction of Syria?

© REUTERS / Omar SanadikiA Syrian national flag flutters as the ruins of the historic city of Palmyra are seen in the background, in Homs Governorate, Syria April 1, 2016.
A Syrian national flag flutters as the ruins of the historic city of Palmyra are seen in the background, in Homs Governorate, Syria April 1, 2016. - Sputnik International
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Syrian President Bashar Assad in an interview with Rossiya-24 TV Channel said that the priority in the post-war economic reconstruction of Syria will be given to the companies of friendly countries such as Russia, China and Iran.

Smoke rises near Bustan al-Qasr crossing point in a government controlled area, during clashes with rebels in Aleppo, Syria December 5, 2016. - Sputnik International
China Reiterates Call for Political Solution on Syria – Official
Expert form the Chinese Institute of Contemporary International Relation, Chen Fengying spoke to Sputnik Chinese about the president’s statement for the future of his country.

“In my opinion, it is still early to discuss this because so far we can’t speak about any signs that give hope for a final resolution of the Syrian issue,” Fengying said.

He said that if it would be necessary to rebuild the economy, the country must first solve issues related to the political situation in order to improve relations with other countries.

“If there is an existing terrorist threat, the financial support of any state is impossible. For example, China is developing investment cooperation with a number of Middle Eastern countries but an important prerequisite for our investment in any country is guarantee of security of people and capital,” Fengying said.

He further said that after the period of military unrest in Syria comes to an end it will take time to restore basic infrastructure. Only after the settlement of the political situation, China and Russia will be able to provide support to Syria in restoring its infrastructure.

“In other words, the issue of the economic recovery and ability to assist, all depends mainly on the political situation in Syria,” the expert concluded.

The Syrian Army officially declared victory in the battle for Aleppo which began more than four years ago. The first clashes in the city broke out on July 19, 2012.

Attendants adjust Syrian and Chinese flags before a briefing at China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beijing, Thursday, Dec. 24, 2015 - Sputnik International
Dragon to the Rescue: China Moves In to Help Resolve the Syrian Crisis
Over the past three weeks, the Syrian Army and militias have freed all the districts of Eastern Aleppo from the militants, according to the Russian general Staff.

However, the war is not over just yet, as Daesh has recaptured the ancient city of Palmyra in the Homs province. According to various sources, the number of terrorists that took part in the storming of the city reached 5,000 including hundreds of suicide bombers and dozens of armored vehicles.

According to the Homs governor, the government forces managed to evacuate some 80 percent of city's civilian population.

Earlier, Syrian President Bashar Assad vowed that the Syrian Army will retake Palmyra after liberating Aleppo.

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