Over 40 experts and scholars from over 10 countries attended an international symposium on Political Prospect of Settling Syrian Issue, which was jointly held between May 13 to 14, 2018 by Shanghai Institutes for International Studies (SIIS) and the Middle East Studies Institute of Shanghai International Studies University (SISU).

The symposium could provide attendees with a chance to exchange opinions and build consensus on solving the Syrian issue peacefully. It would also enable China to play a more essential role on international issues and reflect the constant efforts made by the international community.

SISU President Li Yansong pointed out at the opening ceremony that the Syrian civil war lasting for more than seven years has become a difficult issue for security governance in the Middle East. He added that the United Nations, world powers as well as relevant parties in the Middle East should keep building consensus to seek a solution as well as create favorable conditions and a good atmosphere for the peaceful settlement of the issue. He also called for open communication and idea exchange to promote the final settlement of the Syrian issue, to achieve peace and development in the Middle East, and to contribute wisdom and strength to the construction of a Community of Shared Future for Mankind.

Xie Xiaoyan, Special Envoy of China for the Syrian Issue, emphasized that the symposium was held at the “right” time when the pace of the political settlement has slowed. The problem of chemical weapons recurred, and the ghost of war hung over Syria again. 

The symposium’s round-table discussion focused on three topics —— “The solution to the Syrian issue”, “Major factors affecting the solution” and “The role of the international community played on the Syrian issue”.

The discussion on the morning of 14, May was chaired by Robert Dan, head of political affairs of Special Envoy for Syria Office of Secretary-General of the United Nations. More than a dozen participants made speeches and engaged in heated discussions and in-depth exchanges on Syrian issues.

Professor Zhang Feng, vice-president of SISU, hosted the closing ceremony, and Researcher Chen Dongxiao, dean of SIIS, delivered the closing speech. After the symposium, a briefing for Chinese and foreign media was held, where Researcher Ye Qing, assistant dean of SIIS, and Ambassador Xie made addresses. The international symposium also drew great attention of many foreign embassies and was widely reported by prominent media.

Symposium attendees were from over 10 countries, including China, Syria, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Turkey, Qatar, Jordan, Lebanon, the United States, the United KingdomKingdom, France and the United Nations.