Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi commenced his annual Africa tour with a strategic visit to Egypt, the latest entrant to the BRICS bloc.
The diplomatic engagements culminated in signing a second five-year implementation outline for the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between China and Egypt, underscoring the robust ties between the two nations.
Adel El Mahrouky, reporting for CGTN from Cairo, Egypt, highlighted the significance of Wang Yi’s visit in solidifying the enduring friendship and strategic partnership between China and Egypt.
WATCH: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi Visits Egypt
High-Level meetings and diplomatic exchanges
Wang Yi met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, conveying warm greetings from Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The joint statement emphasised the strong mutual trust and friendship between the leaders, serving as a robust strategic guarantee for Sino-Egyptian relations.
President el-Sisi said he appreciated China’s substantial support for Egypt’s economic and social development and congratulated China on its achievements under President Xi’s leadership.
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Comprehensive strategic partnership and regional cooperation
The signing of the second five-year implementation outline for the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership solidifies the commitment of both nations to deepen cooperation across various sectors.
The two foreign ministers, Wang Yi and Sameh Shoukry, discussed regional cooperation and addressed emerging crises, including the situation in Gaza.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry acknowledged China’s significant role in Egypt’s development over the past decade, expressing eagerness to benefit from the Chinese development model.
Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to the One China principle and resolved to collaborate on resolving regional crises.
Focus on regional crises and Gaza conflict
The talks between Wang Yi and Sameh Shoukry included discussions on regional crises, with a particular focus on the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Wang Yi emphasised the urgency of achieving a ceasefire and ending the fighting, calling it a historic injustice that must be addressed promptly.
The foreign ministers highlighted the importance of implementing resolutions issued by the Security Council regarding aid to Gaza.
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Path to lasting peace in the Middle East
Wang Yi and Sameh Shoukry reiterated that lasting peace in the Middle East can only be achieved through the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
They called for international endorsement of a timed plan to realise this goal, emphasiSing the ethical commitment to ensuring the flow of aid to Gaza.
Expanding China-Arab cooperation forum
Wang Yi’s discussions extended to expanding the China-Arab Cooperation Forum to serve as a platform supporting development in the region.
The aim is to strengthen ties and facilitate collaboration between China and Arab nations.
In his final official meeting in Cairo, Wang Yi reaffirmed China’s commitment to further strengthen ties with Egypt throughout the next five years.
The signing of the executive plan sets the course for continued cooperation and collaboration between the two nations until 2028.
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