By Manal Abdel Fattah
Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received Mr. Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and Minister of Foreign Affairs, in the presence of Minister Sameh Shoukry, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and a number of senior Chinese officials, in addition to the Chinese Ambassador to Cairo.
In statements by the official spokesman for the Presidency of the Republic, Counselor Ahmed Fahmy, after the meeting, he explained that the Chinese Foreign Minister delivered to the President a message from Chinese President Xi Jinping, which included congratulations on the re-election of Mr. President for a new presidential term, and an affirmation of China’s keenness to continue strengthening the partnership. The comprehensive strategy between the two countries, and valuing the Egyptian role in consolidating security, stability and development in the Middle East.
For his part, Mr. President thanked the Chinese President, noting Egypt’s pride in its relations with China, which are based on the principles of mutual respect and common interests, stressing Egypt’s continued support for the one-China principle and continuing joint coordination to promote peace and stability at the international level.
In that context, the meeting discussed ways to strengthen joint cooperation frameworks, where the determination was affirmed to continue joint economic development projects, whether at the bilateral level or within the framework of membership in the BRICS grouping and the Belt and Road Initiative.
The official spokesman added that the meeting witnessed an exchange of visions regarding developments in the situation at the international and regional levels, especially the ongoing escalation in the region against the backdrop of Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip, where Mr. President stressed the necessity of a ceasefire in Gaza, to protect civilians and provide relief from the humanitarian conditions they are living in. Disastrous, as well as defusing tension in the region and avoiding fueling factors of regional instability.
The Chinese official agreed with the Egyptian position, appreciating Egypt’s internationally acclaimed role on the political and humanitarian tracks. In this context, what Egypt has done and the historical and humanitarian responsibility it has shouldered in confronting the mobilization, receiving and assembling of humanitarian aid from all over the world was reviewed, and then efforts were made. necessary to overcome the obstacles and complications facing the delivery of this aid – in full coordination with the United Nations and the international community – to the people of Gaza, in addition to the Egyptian aid provided by the government and people of Egypt, which represents the vast majority of the total aid provided, while emphasizing the need for the international community to bear Its responsibilities in this regard to implement aid to Gaza, in line with the relevant Security Council and United Nations General Assembly resolutions.
The spokesman for the Presidency of the Republic stated that the meeting also witnessed the affirmation of the positions of Egypt and China on the necessity of adhering to international law, and the complete and categorical rejection of the individual and collective forcible transfer and forced displacement of the Palestinians from their land. It was also agreed on the necessity of addressing the roots of the crisis through a just and comprehensive settlement of the Palestinian issue, based on the two-state solution and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state in accordance with the decisions of international legitimacy.
