Egypt and China stressed their keenness to develop a comprehensive strategic partnership that brings them together in various fields.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi received Sunday Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang, who is on an African tour that includes five countries.
He emphasized China's unwavering support for Egypt in its efforts toward comprehensive development, combating terrorism, and achieving regional security and stability.
According to the presidential spokesman, Sisi affirmed Egypt's commitment to further strengthening the fruitful cooperation between the two countries within the framework of their comprehensive strategic partnership and considering the extended path of their exemplary cooperation and coordination in various fields.
He reiterated Egypt's firm position concerning restoring the security and stability of conflict-affected countries in the region, strengthening their national institutions, and supporting them in combating terrorism.
For his part, the Chinese foreign minister expressed his country's keenness on advancing its strategic relations with Egypt as a significant priority and consistent approach, according to the spokesman.
Qin underscored Beijing's respect and appreciation for Egypt, hailing its pivotal role as a cornerstone of stability in the Middle East region and the center of gravity of the Arab world and Africa, under Sisi’s wise and balanced leadership.
He emphasized China's unwavering support for Egypt in its efforts toward comprehensive development, combating terrorism, and achieving regional security and stability.
The meeting reviewed prospects for forging closer bilateral cooperation between Cairo and Beijing.
The FM underscored China's keenness on further boosting and supporting development programs and national projects in Egypt.
The officials highlighted the modern infrastructure Egypt enjoys, which is integrated with China's "Belt and Road" initiative.
Later, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry held a press conference with his Chinese counterpart following a separate and expanded session of talks.
They discussed activating cooperation at the bilateral political and economic levels and the multilateral level, noting the compatibility in visions and strategic relations between the two countries.
Shoukry added that the growing economic relations between Egypt and China in recent years have contributed to Cairo's development efforts. Moreover, he said the two countries established relations on basic principles of mutual respect, non-interference in internal affairs, and achieving common interests.
He added that the talks also touched on all regional and international issues of common concern, including the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and the latest developments related to it.
China has always been at the forefront of countries supporting the Palestinian people's legitimate rights, the two-state solution, and the achievement of stability in the region, asserted Shoukry.
The Egyptian FM briefed his counterpart on the latest developments in the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) issue and Cairo's efforts to reach a binding legal agreement.
China was willing to contribute to resolve outstanding issues, he revealed.
The officials also addressed the Russian-Ukrainian crisis and its political, regional, and economic impact.
For his part, the Chinese minister said his talks with his Egyptian counterpart were fruitful and touched on all regional and international issues of common concern.
China is keen on boosting its economic cooperation with Egypt and the import of Egyptian products to its markets, said Qin.
China's foreign minister said that the Middle East made development efforts in recent years; however, several countries still witness instability due to turmoil and external interference.
He called on countries outside the Middle East to refrain from interfering in the region and instead provide development support to help countries face the challenges of food insecurity, energy and terrorism.
He stressed that Egypt plays a vital role in maintaining international peace and security, highlighting the identical positions of Egypt and China towards Middle East issues.
On the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, he described it as a "the key cause in the Middle East in terms of peace and stability in the region."
He urged Israel to stop provocations to avoid any unilateral move that would escalate the situation, calling on the relevant parties to abide by relevant UN resolutions related and to preserve the historical status quo of Jerusalem.
