On January 21, 2016 local time, President Xi Jinping met in Cairo with Parliament Speaker Ali Abdelaal of Egypt.

Xi Jinping pointed out that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Egypt 60 years ago, both countries have been respecting and supporting each other and the friendship between both peoples has withstood the test of time and become closer as time goes by. The Chinese side always views and advances the China-Egypt relations from a strategic height, and hopes that both sides can take the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations as a new starting point to deepen political mutual trust, promote practical cooperation and enhance people-to-people and cultural exchanges so as to jointly make new progress in the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership. China is willing to, together with the Egyptian side, strengthen high-level mutual visits, maintain and expand exchanges and cooperation between governments, legislatures, political parties and civil groups, and deepen cooperation and coordination in international affairs. It is hoped that both side can promote the dovetail of the “Belt and Road” initiative with Egypt’s national development strategy, and boost exchanges and cooperation in areas including production capacity, infrastructure construction, investment and financing, transportation, energy, science, technology, culture, education, people-to people and cultural engagement, tourism and security, so as to constantly enrich the bilateral relations.

Xi Jinping stressed that the birth of the Egyptian Parliament marks that the political transition in Egypt has been successfully completed. It is believed that the Egyptian people will surely realize long-term security, stability, prosperity and development in their country and make more contributions to safeguarding regional peace and stability. The National People’s Congress (NPC) of China maintains friendly exchanges with the Egyptian Parliament. Both legislative bodies should conduct communications and cooperation so as to play a positive role in the development of China-Egypt relations.

Ali Abdelaal welcomed President Xi Jinping’s visit to Egypt and the Parliament. He noted that both countries are ancient civilizations. The bilateral traditional friendship becomes even firmer as time goes by. The Egyptian side appreciates China’s achievements in development as well as its important and positive role in international affairs. Both legislative bodies maintain sound communications and the Egyptian Parliament stands ready to, together with the NPC, strengthen their exchange mechanism and deepen communication and cooperation so as to make joint contributions to the development of Egypt-China relations.

Wang Huning, Li Zhanshu, Yang Jiechi and others attended the meeting.