
Chinese President Xi Jinping (back-R) and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi (back-L) attend a signing ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on May 29, 2024. AFP
El-Sisi embarked on a state visit to China from 28 to 31 May per an invitation extended by Chinese President Xi Jinping to attend Thursday the 10th Ministerial Conference of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum.
On Wednesday, El-Sisi and Xi engaged in substantive discussions, focusing on enhancing bilateral relations across various sectors. They also discussed regional and international development, most importantly the situation in Gaza.
Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the progress of bilateral relations over the past decade while acknowledging significant advancements in economic projects and mutual investments. This included China's involvement in key infrastructure projects in Egypt, including constructing the financial and business district in the New Administrative Capital and building the 10th of Ramadan electric train.
Furthermore, the two presidents hailed in their statement the signing of the Executive Program for the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for the next five years (2024-2028) in January 2024.
The two presidents also directed relevant authorities in their countries to hold technical discussions to implement the leaders' vision of enhancing and strengthening bilateral relations, including organizing the joint governmental committee at the earliest opportunity.
Moreover, both presidents stressed the importance of mutual support in combating terrorism.
China reiterated its support for Egypt's legitimate right to maintain national sovereignty and territorial integrity, rejecting external interference in Egypt's internal affairs.
Egypt, on the other hand, reaffirmed its commitment to the One China principle, recognizing Taiwan as an integral part of China and supporting China's sovereignty and territorial unity.
On a different note, El-Sisi and Xi praised the fruitful cooperation within the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum. They welcomed the outcomes of the first China-Arab summit in Riyadh in 2022 and its resolutions.
In addition, China welcomed Egypt's request to host a future China-Arab summit.
The two leaders also appreciated the cooperation within the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, stressing the need to continue implementing the outcomes of the eighth ministerial meeting, particularly the nine programs announced by President Xi, and they looked forward to the success of the upcoming forum summit in September 2024.
Similarly, El-Sisi and Xi agreed on the importance of upholding the principles and purposes of the United Nations Charter, rejecting double standards and unilateral practices, calling instead for reforming international institutions to be more equitable, more representative of developing countries, and more effective in addressing global challenges.
They emphasized the need for international efforts to resolve critical issues threatening global security and stability, achieve economic recovery, address food security, water scarcity, and climate change, and combat desertification.
El-Sisi and Xi reaffirmed that Egypt and China will continue to work together to face these international challenges, enhance cooperation and coordination in regional and global forums, including BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and strengthen the role of emerging markets and developing countries in the international system.
In conclusion, El-Sisi expressed gratitude to Xi Jinping for the warm reception and hospitality and invited the Chinese President to visit Egypt, which he accepted, according to the joint statement.
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