Egyptian Prime Minister Ahmed Nazef on Wednesday praised the
cooperative relations between Egypt and China.
Egypt appreciates China's support for Egypt and for the Arab
cause, Nazef told visiting Chinese State Councilor Hua Jianmin.
"Egypt is willing to work with China to deepen the friendly
cooperative relations between the two countries," said Nazef. "We
hope to further develop strategic cooperation with China."
Hua, on his part, noted that Egypt was the first Arab and
African country to establish diplomatic relationship with the
People's Republic of China.
"Bilateral relations have come to a new stage since 1999 when
the two countries decided to build a strategic cooperative
relationship," said Hua, adding that economic ties between China
and Egypt had great potential for development.
He also said that China and Egypt had both placed great emphasis
on bilateral relations since they first established diplomatic
relationship in 1956, noting that Beijing and Cairo had much common
ground as regards to regional and international issues and shared
many common interests.
"China appreciates Egypt's precious support for China over some
major issues and China also shows sincere support for Egypt over
its just causes," said Hua.
In addition, he said that China was willing to further
strengthen cooperation with Egypt in various fields. Nazef and Hua
later witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding
between Egypt and China over personnel and executive
cooperation.
Earlier in the day, Hua also met Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed
Abul Gheit and other senior Egyptian officials. Hua arrived here on
Tuesday at the invitation of the Egyptian government.
(Xinhua News Agency April 20, 2006)
