Assad praised China's political and economic presence across the globe, stating that it contributes to the restoration of balance in the world.
"The whole world today needs China's political and economic presence to restore the balance in the international arena," he said.
Assad also highlighted Russia-China relations and the activity of BRICS countries as examples of contributing to global balance and the establishment of a multipolar world order.
Assad said that Syria sees opportunities for economic development by turning away from the dollar in favor of the Chinese yuan. The Syrian president also positively assessed China's mediation in the diplomatic normalization between Saudi Arabia and Iran, which would stabilize the situation in the Middle East.
Zhai, for his part, pledged China's support for Syria in its fight against hegemony and against interference in its domestic affairs and offered to help Damascus restore ties with other Arab states.
In early March, China hosted landmark talks between Saudi Arabia and Iran, in which the two states agreed to re-establish diplomatic relations and reopen their embassies in short order.