In a written speech delivered upon his arrival at Cairo International Airport, Xi thanked Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi for inviting him to visit Egypt to mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Xi said he visited Egypt 10 years ago and has since developed many “beautiful memories” of the country, describing Egypt as an ancient civilization on the banks of the Nile.
He conveyed greetings and best wishes to the Egyptian government and people, saying he was pleased to return to Egypt, which he described as a “friendly” country and an old civilization.
China and Egypt share a deep and longstanding friendship that has grown stronger over the decades, Xi said, noting that Egypt was the first Arab and African country to establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China.
Over the past 70 years, the two countries have remained committed to equality and mutual benefit while expanding cooperation and contributing to peace, stability and development, he said.
Xi highlighted the development of bilateral ties over the past decade, saying the two countries strengthened their relationship based on mutual respect, mutual benefit and solidarity.
He said the partnership contributed to expanding trade, investment and tourism, as well as people-to-people exchanges, particularly between Egyptian and Chinese youth.
“Egypt-China relations have developed into a model of solidarity and cooperation among developing countries,” Xi said, according to the message.
He added that this was taking place against a backdrop of international and regional turmoil, growing uncertainty and interconnected challenges.
As two important countries of the Global South, China and Egypt should uphold multilateralism, safeguard the common interests of developing countries and make new contributions to promoting world peace, stability, development and prosperity, Xi said.
During his visit, Xi said he would exchange views with El-Sisi on Egyptian-Chinese relations and international and regional issues of common interest.
He expressed hope that the two sides would draw a blueprint for further developing their comprehensive strategic partnership.
“I believe that with the joint efforts of both sides, this visit will achieve fruitful results and write a new chapter in the history of Egyptian-Chinese friendship,” Xi said.
He added that China was ready to work with Egypt to open a new chapter of friendship, cooperation and mutual benefit between the two countries and contribute to greater prosperity for their peoples and to peace and development around the world.
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