On July 13, 2026, Chinese Ambassador to Syria Shi Hongwei met with Saad Naasan, Deputy Minister of Culture of the Syrian transitional government, and exchanged views on strengthening cultural cooperation between the two countries.

Ambassador Shi noted that both China and Syria are ancient civilizations, and that the ancient Silk Road has closely connected the two peoples; cultural cooperation has become an important component of China-Syria relations. China stands ready to strengthen cultural exchanges and cooperation with Syria, promote mutual visits, deepen cultural and people-to-people exchanges and mutual learning, and enhance mutual understanding and affinity between the two peoples.

Naasan stated that cultural exchange is an important bond for bringing people's hearts together. Both Syria and China boast a long history and profound cultural heritage, and the prospects for cultural cooperation are broad. The Syrian side is willing to maintain close communication with the Chinese side, looks forward to strengthening cultural exchanges between the two countries, and hopes to achieve further results in cooperation.