Egypt's Foreign Minister, Chinese VP hold talks

CAIRO - 9 July 2018: Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, currently visiting Beijing, had talks on Monday with China’s Vice President Wang Qishan.

Shoukry will participate in the Ministerial Meeting of China-Arab States Cooperation Forum on Tuesday, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ahmed Abu Zeid said.

During the meeting with Wang, Shoukry hailed the deeply-rooted Egyptian-Chinese ties which were elevated to comprehensive strategic partnership.

He cited four visits by President Abdel Fattah El Sisi to China at an invitation from the Chinese president.

Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan congratulated President Abdel Fattah El Sisi for winning a new presidential term, noting that Egypt managed to realize stability, Egyptian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ahmed Abu Zeid said.

He underlined China’s keenness on buttressing Egypt’s efforts to achieve development, referring to the historical ties binding the two states and continued coordination vis-à-vis regional and international issues of mutual concern.

Wang noted that the two countries cooperate in various domains under the “Road and Belt” initiative.

The presidents of the two countries are expected to hold meetings in several events due to be held in the coming period, Wang said.

Wang underscored his country’s interest in promoting ties with Arab and African states, noting that Egypt is the locomotive of the African and Arab worlds.

Meanwhile, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry highlighted the pivotal role played by Chinese companies in bolstering Egypt’s development efforts, especially implementing mammoth national projects.

He noted that Egypt works on removing any obstacles facing Chinese investments, voicing hope to boost Egyptian exports to China as well as Chinese tourism in Egypt.

Abu Zeid noted that the talks also tackled bilateral cooperation in countering terrorism as well as the latest developments in negotiations of the Ethiopian dam.

The talks also addressed ongoing efforts to revive the Palestinian-Israeli parleys alongside the conditions in Libya, Yemen and Syria.