Xi Jinping lauds Egypt efforts to development, stability

Chinese President Xi Jinping lauded the positive and tangible outcome of efforts exerted by Egypt to push ahead development and restore stability, asserting his country's backing of all such efforts and its keenness on contributing to them in all fields, said Presidential Spokesman Alaa Youssef on Tuesday.

The Chinese president's remarks were made during his meeting with the Egyptian president earlier in the day, the spokesman added.

During the meeting, the Chinese president welcomed his Egyptian counterpart on his fourth visit to China since he assumed office, noting that both sides are keen on enhancing strategic relations between them, said the spokesman.

Xi also asserted the vital role played by Egypt on the regional and international fronts, noting that Cairo is one of the most important Arab, African and Islamic states.

He also pointed out that both countries shared viewpoints on a set of key issues especially regarding the global economic governance and means of enhancing world economic development.

Meanwhile, President Sisi extended thanks to his Chinese counterpart on inviting him to attend the BRICS summit, a matter which reflected the depth of strategic relations between the two countries, according to the spokesman.

The Egyptian president also underlined the steps which are being carried out by Egypt to develop its infrastructure so as to contribute to implementing the Belt and Road Initiative floated by the Chinese president to bolster world trade movement, the spokesman added. 

The meeting also reviewed a set of issues of common interest as the Chinese president voiced relief over the positive developments in mutual relations. Xi also thanked the Egyptian president on Egypt's response to the Belt and Road Initiative, asserting his keenness on encouraging the Chinese companies to increase the volume of its business in Egypt, according to the spokesman.

President Sisi also praised the Chinese companies operating in Egypt and its contribution to the development march in Egypt especially the electricity and transport sector, calling on the Chinese side to continue to work to transfer the Chinese technology to Egypt and draw on the Chinese expertise in several fields.

The two sides also reviewed a set of joint projects which are currently under construction, means of increasing trade exchange and encouraging the access of more Egyptian products to the Chinese market, added the spokesman. They also addressed means of promoting the Chinese investments in Egypt in light of the promising chances of investment in the Suez Canal Development Corridor and the New Administrative Capital.

The two leaders also agreed on continuing coordination at the international organizations and fora along with boosting cooperation in the fight against terrorism, the spokesman concluded.

Source: MENA