Xi Jinping has hailed China and Egypt as a model of friendly coexistence and co-operation among developing nations, as the Chinese president arrived in Cairo for a state visit aimed at deepening strategic ties between the two countries.
A model for the developing world
China and Egypt are setting an example of friendly coexistence, unity and co-operation among developing countries, demonstrating strong political mutual trust, delivering substantial results through mutually beneficial partnerships and maintaining close, intensive coordination on multilateral platforms, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Tuesday.
Xi made the remarks in a written statement published upon his arrival in Cairo for a state visit to Egypt, at the invitation of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.
Speaking on behalf of the Chinese government and the Chinese people, Xi extended his sincere greetings and best wishes to the Egyptian government and people. The Chinese president stressed that both China and Egypt are ancient civilisations whose traditional friendship stretches back thousands of years and continues to grow stronger with each passing day.
Seven decades of diplomatic ties
Xi pointed to the 70 years that have passed since China and Egypt established diplomatic relations, saying the two countries had consistently stood together in overcoming difficulties and pursuing mutually beneficial co-operation, regardless of changes in the international and regional environment.
Over the course of those seven decades, Beijing and Cairo have continued to strengthen their relationship, presenting their partnership as one built on long-term political trust and shared interests.
Xi said that in recent years, the leaders of the two countries had jointly promoted what he described as breakthrough development in China-Egypt relations as part of their comprehensive strategic partnership. The Chinese leader said the current visit would provide an opportunity for him and President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to hold an in-depth exchange of views on bilateral relations, comprehensive co-operation, as well as international and regional issues of mutual interest.
Planning the next stage of the partnership
During their talks, the two leaders will jointly map out a plan for the further development of the China-Egypt comprehensive strategic partnership, Xi said.
The discussions, he added, would also seek to open a new chapter in the history of Chinese-Egyptian friendship.
Xi’s visit comes as both governments continue to emphasise the strategic importance of their relationship, portraying the partnership as a model of co-operation between developing countries and a framework for closer coordination on regional and international affairs.
