Damascus, The Defense Attaché at the Chinese Embassy in Damascus, Brigadier General Ha Yongliang, stressed that his country will continue its support for the Syrian army and people in protecting national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. During a reception ceremony which was organized by the Chinese embassy on Wednesday on the occasion of the 97th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army at Dama Rose Hotel in Damascus, Brigadier General Ha Yongliang stressed his country's readiness to work alongside with the Syrian side to boost the relations between the two armies to a higher level and enhance cooperation between them in the new era. The Brigadier General said that the celebration of the 97th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army is to share the glorious history of the Chinese army and to recall the history of traditional friendship between the Chinese and Syrian armies, as August 1 marks the founding day of each of them, and it is also the anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Ha Yongliang expressed his thanks and gratitude to Syria, its army and its people for their outstanding contributions to protecting national sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, peace and stability. In turn, Defense Minister Gen. Ali Mahmoud Abbas praised China's supportive role for Syria during the years of the terrorist war waged against it, in addition to its standing by Syria in international forums and supporting it in its ordeals, especially during the Corona pandemic and the earthquake it was exposed to last year, and providing aid. The Minister of Defense congratulated China and its people on the anniversary of the establishment of its army, which coincides on August 1 with the 97th anniversary of the founding of the Syrian Arab Army. Minister Abbas pointed out to the deep rooted relations that bind the two countries. Source: Syrian Arab News Agency