Lebanon, China to enhance bilateral ties: Envoy

Beirut, Oct 18 (IANS) China's Ambassador to Lebanon, Wang Kejian, has stressed that Beirut and Beijing could enhance bilateral ties by reviving the Silk Road and re-activating the trade and cultural exchanges between both sides.

According to the National News Agency (NNA), Wang was speaking to reporters on Tuesday after meeting with MP Bahia Hariri to discuss bilateral relations and opportunities for development, Xinhua reported.

Noting that "positive developments in the relations and stronger ties between the two nations began during late Prime Minister Rafik Hariri's term in office", the envoy stressed that "the ties have been further strengthened with the government of Prime Minister Saad Hariri".

The meeting also focused on the situation in Sidon, the third largest city in Lebanon, and possible opening of the city to China.

"We will further cooperation between China and Sidon in order to benefit both sides," Wang said.

The Chinese ambassador praised Lebanon's openness to the world and the country's interaction with different cultures.

The new Silk Road, also known as part of the Belt and Road Initiative, is a Chinese project conceived as a revival of the ancient Silk Road trade route with modern technology that aims to bolster China's global role by building an infrastructure and trade network that links between Asia with Africa and Europe.

Wang later met with Sidon Municipal Council head Mohammad Saoudi and South Lebanon's Governor Mansour Daou.

(This story has not been edited by Social News XYZ staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)