Cairo, Beijing signal desire to strengthen co-operation

‏Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El Sisi received at the Presidential Palace in Cairo on Sunday the visiting Chinese Foreign Minister, Qin Gang.

‏President Sisi underscored Egypt’s keenness to maintain fruitful co-operation with China, within the framework of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two friendly countries.

‏In this context, the Egyptian leader noted the extended co-operation and exemplary coordination between the two countries in various fields.

‏President Sisi also referred to the outstanding performance of Chinese companies participating in the developmental process across the country.

‏Foreign Minister Qin, for his part, conveyed to President Sisi the greetings of his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping.

‏He also expressed China’s keenness to keep developing its strategic relations with Egypt, describing this as a consistent approach.

‏Foreign Minister Qin noted that his country views Egypt with respect and appreciation in the light of the country’s pivotal role in the region.

‏Egypt, he added, is a cornerstone for stability in the Middle East and a centre of gravity in the Arab world and Africa, especially under the wise and balanced leadership of President Sisi.

‏The Chinese top diplomat also stressed his country’s firm support for Egypt’s comprehensive development efforts, fight against terrorism and its drive to achieve regional security and stability.

‏Talks between President Sisi and Foreign Minister Qin included a review of prospects for the enhancement of bilateral co-operation, Presidency Spokesman Ambassador Bassam Radi, said.

‏He added that the visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Qin said his country is keen on developing and supporting development programmes, activities and national projects in Egypt, especially in the light of the comprehensive development the country is witnessing, as well as the modern infrastructure that Egypt now enjoys.

‏This infrastructure, he said, integrates with the Chinese ‘Belt and Road’ initiative.

‏During the meeting, President Sisi outlined his assessment of developments in the region, and highlighted Egypt’s firm position on the need for restoring the security and the stability of states of the region suffering from crises; hence the need for  strengthening their national institutions and supporting their counterterrorism efforts.

‏President Sisi described terrorism as a ‘tool for the destruction of states’.

‏Attending President Sisi’s meeting with Foreign Minister Qin were Foreign Minister Shoukri and Chinese Ambassador to Cairo, Liao Liqiang.

‏Earlier in the day yesterday, Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukri had talks with his Chinese counterpart.

‏Following their talks, the two top diplomats gave a joint press briefing, with the Chinese foreign minister emphasising in statements that his country stands keen on maintaining the development of its strategic relations with Egypt.

‏He pointed to his country’s esteem and appreciation for Egypt in the light of its pivotal role as a key pillar of regional stability.