On November 7, 2006, Chinese President Hu Jintao held talks at the Great Hall of the People with Egyptian President Mohammed Hosni Mubarak, who was here in China for a state visit after attending the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. The two leaders said they are satisfied with the great progress of their relations over the past five decades and agreed to enhance political relations, economic and trade cooperation and cultural exchanges, and improve coordination in international and regional affairs.

Hu welcomed President Mubarak's ninth visit to China. Hu especially extolled Mubarak's efforts in promoting bilateral relations, saying Mubarak, a "close friend" of the Chinese people, who had deep friendship with several generations of Chinese leaders, has made "outstanding" contributions to the development of China-Egypt ties. The establishment of China-Egypt diplomatic ties 50 years ago marks the launch o the diplomatic ties between the New China and African countries. Over the past five decades, the two peoples, either in their just cause for national independence and state sovereignty, or the grand undertaking of developing national economy and building the country, have always treated each other as equals, shown mutual support and cooperated closely. Calling China-Egypt relations a "good example" of South-South cooperation, Hu said in recent years bilateral cooperation in all areas has entered a fast track and made new progress continuously. Both sides have witnessed frequent high-level visits, dynamic friendly exchanges, rapidly increasing trade volume, a sound momentum of mutual investment, closer cooperation in culture, education, journalism, science, technology and tourism and effective collaboration in international affairs. Hu urged the two countries to continue keeping closer political ties, enhance trade cooperation level, promote humanities cooperation, and strengthen coordination in international and regional affairs in the future. Hu suggested the two should join hands to tap economic cooperation potential, especially in fields of communications, transportation and textile to realize mutual benefit and promote economic and social development. Hu thanked Egypt for acknowledging China's full market economy status.

Echoing Hu's comments and suggestions on bilateral ties, Mubarak said since the establishment of diplomatic ties, Egypt-China ties have been developing steadily and scored fruitful results. The two peoples have become sincere friends and the relationship between Egypt and China has entered the best period in history. Egypt attaches great importance to developing economic and trade cooperation with China, he said, adding his country is looking forward to strengthening cooperation in the fields of investment, trade, tourism and human resources.

On Sino-African relations, Hu said China and African countries are sincere friends and close brothers. The Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) is a milestone in China-Africa mutually beneficial cooperation and will have a special impact in the history of Sino-African relationship, he said. Egypt is China's important strategic and cooperative partner in the Arabian world, in the continent of Africa and in the developing countries, Hu said. Hu congratulated Egypt on winning the bid for the fourth Ministerial Meeting of FOCAC, adding that China will keep close contacts with Egypt to implement the results achieved at the Beijing Summit and make preparations for the fourth Ministerial Meeting of FOCAC so as to promote China-Africa relations.

Mubarak said the Beijing Summit was a success and the development of Africa-China relationship is very important under the current circumstances, noting Egypt is willing to cooperate with China to push forward the healthy development of this relationship.

Mubarak introduced the situation of Middle East and Egypt's viewpoints on the issue. Hu said China will always stand on the side of Arabian people, and advocates settling the issue through political negotiations based on relevant UN resolutions and the principle of "land for peace". China is willing to make concerted efforts with Egypt for the early realization of peace and stability in the Middle East, Hu added.

Prior to talks, President Hu held a grand welcome ceremony for Mubarak. Present at the ceremony were Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) Ismail Amat, State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan, Vice Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Li Guixian, Vice Chairman of the Central Committee of the China Democratic League Li Chong'an, Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing, Director of the Commission of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense Zhang Yunchuan, Minister of Commerce Bo Xilai, and Chinese Ambassador to Egypt Wu Sike.

During the meeting, both sides signed a number of cooperation documents covering economy, technology, health and investment.