With Syria in desperate need of foreign investment, Mr Assad hopes to boost commercial ties with the world's second largest economy. Meanwhile, President Xi said he will seriously consider a visit to South Korea, according to Yonhap news agency. China Central Television (CCTV) also reported the Chinese president told South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo his country is willing to promote a strategic partnership. It would be his first visit to the country since 2014. The two leaders held talks in the eastern city of Hangzhou before the opening ceremony of the Asian Games on Saturday.
