DUBAI: Syria’s Foreign Ministry on Monday dismissed a report by Agence France-Presse alleging that Damascus intends to hand over Uyghur militant fighters to China.

An official source told state news agency SANA that “there is no truth” to the AFP claim, which cited unnamed Syrian sources saying the transfer would take place in batches at Beijing’s request.

The denial came as Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani held talks in Beijing with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, during his first official visit to China since the formation of Syria’s new government. The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation.

Shaibani described the visit as “an important step” toward advancing the Syrian-Chinese partnership, saying the talks opened broad prospects for supporting reconstruction efforts in Syria. He welcomed China’s support for Syria’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, saying it reflects a new phase of cooperation built on mutual respect and joint action.

During the visit, Syrian General Intelligence Chief Hussein Salameh also met with members of the Syrian community in China.

Shaibani’s trip marks a milestone in Damascus’s efforts to rebuild international ties and strengthen its diplomatic presence after years of isolation, as Syria seeks broader engagement in line with reconstruction and stability goals.