Seeking to end his international isolation amid economic crisis and Syria’s 127-month conflict, Bashar al-Assad has spoken by phone with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

Syrian State news agency SANA said the two men “discussed the close bilateral relations and means of expanding mutual cooperation”.

The SANA readout also referred to Assad’s campaign against the Syrian uprising of March 2011, as a “struggle against internationally-backed terrorism”, and to international sanctions on the regime over war crimes.

Facing economic crisis, including shortages of food, fuel, and electricity, Assad is hoping for links with other countries. Jordan has reopened a key border crossing, and Egypt and the UAE have made tentative steps towards renewed relations. Assad is also hoping for recognition through a deal in which Syria transports Egyptian gas to Lebanon.

According to SANA’s lengthy portrayal of Friday’s call, Xi “said that friendship between china and Syria is deeply rooted”. It made no reference to any substantive action by Beijing, instead reciting Xi’s comment “that his country is ready to exert efforts for enhancing the friendly cooperation between the two countries and fulfilling more common achievements” including Syrian participation in China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Xi pointed out that “China firmly supports Syria in safeguarding its national sovereignty, territorial integrity and national dignity, and firmly opposes interference by external forces in Syria’s internal affairs”.

There was no mention of Chinese economic assistance for the regime.