On August 2, 2009, Wu Sike, the special representative of Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi and China's special envoy to the Middle East, said during an interview with Chinese media agencies including Xinhua News Agency that his visit to the four countries in the Middle East fulfilled the goal of increasing mutual understanding and enhancing mutual trust.

Wu Sike paid a visit to the four countries of Qatar, Algeria, Syria and Iran in the Middle East from July 25 to August 2. He said that the four Middle Eastern countries are all developing countries having friendly relations with China. Solidarity and cooperation with developing countries is the foundation of China's diplomacy; therefore, such visit may enhance mutual understanding, advance bilateral relations, and at the same time strengthen cooperation with the countries in international affairs.

Wu pointed out that the four countries have one common feature, that is, they are all Islamic countries. China has 22 million Muslims practicing Islam in China. Ten out of the 56 nationalities comprising the Chinese family believe in Islam. During the visit, he exchanged views with the above-mentioned countries on this topic and reached the goal of increasing mutual understanding and enhancing mutual trust.

Wu said that because the United States made some adjustments in its policies toward the Middle East, which to some extent, presented the Middle East peace process new opportunities and made it come to a new crossroad. The countries concerned hoped that the United States could come up with specific plans that can really execute its commitments on the basis of listening to the views of all parties.

On the Middle East peace process, Wu said that in the second half of the year there will be frequent diplomatic activities concerning the Middle East peace process. Russia is preparing for an international conference on the Middle East peace process at the end of the year. The European Union and other relevant parties are also making active efforts for the peace in the Middle East.

Wu believes that if the parties concerned can ease the situation in the Middle East toward peace through diplomatic means, it will not only comply with the expectations of the people in this region, but also contribute to world peace. This is also one of the causes why the Chinese side wishes to make active efforts and participate in the promotion of the peace process.