Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi met with his Egyptian counterpart Nabil el-Arabi on Monday to discuss the strengthening of bilateral relations.

Yang said Egypt was the first Arab country to recognize New China and establish strategic cooperation partnership, with bilateral ties on a substantial basis which can be regarded as an example of south-south cooperation.

The year 2011 marks the 55 anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two nations. Under the new circumstances, China will continue its policy of strengthening strategic cooperation partnership with Egypt, Yang said. The two sides should deepen political and strategic cooperation, consolidate practical cooperation in all sectors and coordinate closely on international and regional affairs.

Yang said the situation in Egypt was changing and that China respect the will and choice of Egyptian people.

China supported the efforts made by Egypt to maintain domestic stability and promote economic and social development, said Yang. The Egyptian side had enough wisdom and abilities to realize a smooth transition of power and enter a new era of stability and development, he added.

Arabi said Egypt highly appreciated the development and progress achieved in China and would never forget the support and help that China offered to Egypt and other developing countries.

Egypt expected to strengthen cooperation and exchanges with China in such sectors as economy, high-tech and research.

The two foreign ministers also discussed the situation in the Middle East and north Africa.

Yang arrived in Cairo on Monday on a two-day visit. On Tuesday, he will meet Hussein Tantawi, chief of Egypt's Supreme Council of the Armed Forces.