Egypt and China Agree to Deepen Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

Cairo, Sept 2 (KUNA) -- Egypt and China agreed on Wednesday to continue deepening their comprehensive strategic partnership and enhancing political, economic, and security coordination between the two countries, while reaffirming their steadfast mutual support on issues related to each other's core interests and major concerns.

This was stated in a joint statement issued on the occasion of Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Cairo, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of sustaining high-level exchanges, strengthening strategic dialogue between the foreign ministers of the two countries, and expanding coordination on global governance issues and defending the interests of developing countries and the Global South.

Both sides expressed their aspiration to build upon the progress achieved in bilateral relations over the past years to advance the construction of an Egyptian-Chinese community with a shared future.

In the economic and development sector, the two sides agreed to further align Egypt's Vision 2030 with the Belt and Road Initiative, supporting Egypt's transformation into a regional hub for industry, logistics, clean energy, and the digital economy, linking Asia, Africa, and Europe.

They agreed to expand and strengthen bilateral cooperation in tourism, support collaboration in hotel development and resort management, and enhance cooperation in media, culture, higher education, scientific research, and youth exchanges. They also agreed to implement the executive program for the comprehensive strategic partnership for the years 2024-2028.

The Egyptian side appreciated China's measures to exempt African countries from customs duties. The two sides agreed to work toward achieving greater balance in the trade balance, encouraging an increase in Egyptian products in the Chinese market, and continuing consultations on the "Early Harvest" agreement.

They expressed their firm rejection of terrorism in all its forms, their rejection of linking terrorism to any specific state, race, or religion, their rejection of the practice of "double standards" in counter-terrorism efforts, and their rejection of harboring or supporting terrorist forces under any pretext. They affirmed their commitment to making joint efforts to combat all terrorist organizations.

Regarding the Palestinian issue, the two presidents affirmed that it is the central issue in the Middle East, stressing the necessity of reaching a just and lasting settlement based on the two-state solution, ensuring the establishment of an independent, sovereign Palestinian state on the June 4, 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The two sides reaffirmed their firm rejection of any plans to displace the Palestinian people from their lands. They called for consolidating the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, facilitating the unrestricted flow of humanitarian aid, and the return of the Palestinian Authority to the Strip at the earliest possible time.

They also expressed concern over the escalation of the Israeli occupation in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, including settler violence, land confiscation, and settlement construction. They stressed the importance of preserving the unity of Palestinian territories, supporting the role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), and the necessity of not undermining its mandate.

The Chinese side praised Egypt's pivotal role in supporting regional security and stability, its efforts to reach comprehensive political settlements for geopolitical crises in the Middle East, and its promotion of the principles of good neighborliness, respect for state sovereignty, and non-interference in internal affairs.

Both sides welcomed regional and international efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions, promoting dialogue, and reaching political understandings that address the concerns of all parties and contribute to consolidating security and stability in the Gulf and the Middle East.

In conclusion, both sides appreciated the outcomes achieved during the Chinese President's visit. President Xi Jinping extended an invitation to President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to visit China, which the Egyptian President accepted, with the timing to be determined in a manner suitable for both sides.

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