Chinese vice president vows closer ties with Eygpt

Xi Jinping meets with Egyptian Foreign Minister Mohammed Amr in Beijing/XINHUA
BEIJING, Mar 22 – Vice President Xi Jinping met with visiting Egyptian Foreign Minister Mohammed Amr in Beijing on Wednesday, vowing to boost bilateral ties.

Xi said relations between China and Egypt have withstood the test of a fluctuating international situation since the forging of diplomatic ties 56 years ago.

China is satisfied with the growth of China-Egypt relations, he said, adding that his government has attached great importance to developing ties with Egypt.

China hopes to work closely with the country to further consolidate political trust and enhance coordination in global affairs, Xi added.

He expressed willingness to share experience with Egypt in reform and development, adding that China will encourage its companies to invest in Egypt, promote the creation of the China-Egypt Suez economic and trade cooperation zone and cement bilateral cooperation in multiple areas.

In response, Mohammed Amr hailed the remarkable achievements of Egypt-China cooperation over the years, adding that his government highly values its relations with China and hopes to boost the development of bilateral cooperation.

He also expressed appreciation for China’s support and aid to his country.

Both leaders exchanged views on international and regional issues of common concern.

Earlier in the day, Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi held talks with Amr, with both calling for adherence to a political solution to the Syrian conflict.

The two ministers said the international community should respect the choice of the Syrian people and support mediation efforts made by joint UN-Arab League envoy Kofi Annan, according to a press release from the Foreign Ministry.

They also called for safeguarding peace and stability in Syria and the Middle East and promoting an early resolution to the conflict.

The two sides said relevant parties in Syria should put an immediate end to violence there and begin political talks.

Amr is visiting China from March 20 to 22 at the invitation of Yang.

XINHUA

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