Sisi, Xi affirm need for immediate Gaza ceasefire, two-state solution to Israeli-Palestinian conflict

Ahram Online , Wednesday 29 May 2024

President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping agreed on the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict during their meeting in Beijing on Wednesday.

President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi
President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. Egyptian presidency

 

The two leaders emphasized that a two-state solution is crucial for restoring stability and establishing regional peace and security.

They also expressed their rejection of the forced displacement of the Palestinian people from their lands.

El-Sisi underscored the necessity of ending the war in Gaza, highlighting the severe humanitarian, security, and political consequences of Israeli military operations in Rafah.

He underlined the humanitarian tragedies and loss of lives resulting from these operations, including the recent deliberate Israeli strikes on a camp for displaced Gazans, which caused a shocking humanitarian catastrophe.

Xi commended Egypt's efforts to de-escalate the conflict in Gaza and deliver humanitarian assistance.

 

 

The two leaders also discussed strengthening Egyptian-Chinese relations, coinciding with the 10th anniversary of elevating their countries' relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

A joint statement detailing cooperation and coordination in various fields in the coming period, including an Egyptian-Chinese partnership year, was issued, stated the Egyptian presidency.

This partnership year will witness several events promoting diplomatic, economic, and cultural cooperation between the two nations.

The two leaders witnessed the signing of multiple cooperation agreements, including a joint development plan for the Belt and Road Initiative.

Additionally, Egypt and China signed an agreement to enhance cooperation in technological innovation and communications technology.

El-Sisi and Xi also discussed bolstering Egyptian-Chinese cooperation in supporting Africa's development efforts. El-Sisi emphasized the utmost priority of ensuring Egypt's water security.

The Egyptian president is visiting China to attend the 10th Ministerial Conference of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum, along with Xi and leaders from Bahrain, Tunisia, and the UAE on Thursday.

Vice Foreign Minister Deng Li highlighted that China is hosting the Arab leaders to "issue a common voice between China and Arab countries on the Palestinian cause."

The forum aims to deepen consensus between China and Arab countries, Deng added.

El-Sisi also met with the Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China, Zhao Leji to discuss enhancing political and economic cooperation.

He praised the contributions of Chinese companies to national projects in Egypt and called for further collaboration, particularly in technology, capacity building, communications, infrastructure, and energy.

Zhao, China's top legislator, expressed Beijing's eagerness to strengthen cooperation with Cairo and commended Egypt's significant role in advancing peace and stability in the Middle East.

 

 

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