China's Xi to meet Syria's Assad on Friday afternoon: state media

"On the afternoon of September 22, President Xi Jinping will meet with Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad, who is in China to attend the opening ceremony of the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou," state broadcaster CCTV said.

Assad on Thursday began his first official trip to China in almost two decades as the Arab leader seeks financial support to help rebuild his devastated country.

China's foreign ministry said Thursday his visit will take ties to a "new level".

"China and Syria have a traditional and deep friendship," foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told a regular briefing.

"We believe that President Bashar Al-Assad's visit will further deepen mutual political trust and cooperation in various fields between the two countries," she added.