China highly assesses Russia's counter-terror fight in Syria - Chinese ambassador to Russia
MOSCOW/BEIJING. Dec 25 (Interfax) - China has highly assessed Russia's efforts aimed at combating terrorists in Syria, Chinese Ambassador in Moscow Li Hui told Interfax.
"Terrorist activities have actively expanded in Syria in the past few years. Russia has done a great deal to counter this threat. These efforts have received a high assessment from China," he said.
"The Chinese side stands for the observance of international law and supports counterterrorism measures that are undertaken with the consent of a concrete party," the ambassador said.
At the same time, Beijing is hopeful that all of the sides will intensify their contacts and mutual coordination as they form counterterrorist forces, he said.
"China and Russia believe that the only realistic way of settling the Syrian crisis is a political one, and reiterate that during any activities one must abide by the UN Charter and the principles of diplomacy and follow a peaceful path to resolve disagreements," he said.
"China and Russia, being guided by their core interests and also the interests of development, extend resolute support to each other, demonstrate mutual respect and help each other progress along the path that matches the situation in each country and contributes to mutual prosperity. Both countries, which are permanent members of the UN Security Council, responsibly defend justice and fulfill a crucial mission to defend peace," the ambassador said.
Both countries "closely and effectively interact in tackling problems such as Syria, the Korean Peninsula, Afghanistan, the Iranian nuclear [program], and other flashpoints in the world arena in order to help reduce tensions in relevant regions. This is how they contribute to the cause of maintaining peace and stability around the globe," he said.