Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Co-operation and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdel-Aati underscored the importance of expanding Egyptian-Chinese co-operation through attracting more Chinese investments. He also encouraged Chinese companies to increase their presence in the Egyptian market, particularly in value-added industries, and promote technology transfer and industrial localisation.
He stressed the need to build on the momentum created by high-level reciprocal visits to strengthen economic, trade and investment ties, while expanding co-operation in the cultural, educational and tourism sectors.
Minister Abdel-Aati made these remarks came during his meeting on Thursday with Minister of Foreign Affairs of China Wang Yi on the sidelines of the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting in Manila.
The two ministers reviewed the steady progress in the comprehensive strategic partnership between Egypt and China, highlighting the participation of Chinese companies in major national development projects in Egypt, including the Central Business District in the New Administrative Capital, the electric railway project and expanding investments in the Suez Canal Economic Zone.
They also exchanged congratulations on the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, reaffirming their commitment to elevating bilateral relations to broader horizons.
Minister Abdel-Aatilauded the continued growth in bilateral trade, Chinese investments and tourist arrivals from China, stressing that deeper economic co-operation would support Egypt’s priorities of industrial development, technology transfer and sustainable growth.
Regional developments featured high in the discussions, with Minister Abdel-Aati outlining Egypt’s efforts to de-escalate tensions and contain conflicts through diplomacy and dialogue.
He reiterated Egypt’s condemnation of attacks targeting Gulf states, expressing full solidarity with the affected countries and rejecting any aggression against their security and sovereignty.
He also stressed the importance of safeguarding freedom of navigation in international waterways in accordance with international law, ensuring the security of global shipping routes and preventing any disruption that could negatively affect the global economy and energy security.
The meeting also covered the latest developments in Sudan, Gaza, Lebanon, Libya and the Horn of Africa.
In this respect, the two ministers discussed enhancing coordination in international organisations and multilateral forums.
Minister Abdel-Aati reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to the principles and purposes of the United Nations Charter, respect for international law as well as the importance of strengthening multilateral co-operation.
He also highlighted the importance of reforming the international governance system to make it more equitable, more representative of developing countries and better equipped to address global challenges.
Minister Wang of China reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership with Egypt and expanding bilateral cooperation across various sectors.
He praised Egypt’s pivotal role in promoting regional peace and stability and stressed China’s commitment to maintaining close coordination and consultation with Egypt on issues of mutual interest.
