President Abdel Fattah El Sisi received Sunday Chinese Vice Premier Liu Yandong in the presence of Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, Higher Education Minister Ashraf el Sheihy along with the Chinese sciences and technology minister and the Chinese ambassador to Egypt.

During the meeting, the Chinese official voiced happiness for visiting Egypt and pointed out to Egypt's pioneering role in the Arab and Islamic world, said Presidential Spokesman Alaa Youssef.

She also conveyed the greetings of the Chinese president to President Sisi and hailed ties binding Egypt and China, added the spokesman. 

The exchanged visits between the two countries' officials reflect the keenness on promoting ties, she added. 

She also expressed desire to enhance the prospects of scientific and cultural cooperation between the two countries.

The Chinese official said that the number of Chinese tourists reach 120 million tourists annually and the figure is expected to increase within the upcoming few years to reach 600 million tourists annually.

Sisi also welcomed Liu during her visit to Egypt, pointing out that this visit represents a new and important addition for strong partnership and relations between the two countries.

Egypt welcomes Chinese tourists and provides means of security and safety for them, Sisi said. 

President Sisi also said that Egypt attaches great importance to maintaining cooperation with China in the fields of education and culture. 

He further extended thanks to the Chinese side for the scholarships offered to the Egyptian students.

Source : MENA