By Manal Abdel Fattah
The ceremony to present Chinese President Xi Jinping’s book on governance and administration began today in Cairo, in the presence of Du Changyuan, Chairman of the China International Media Group, Liao Liqiang, Chinese Ambassador to Egypt, Dr. Essam Sharaf, former Prime Minister of Egypt, and Ambassador Hussein Al-Hindawi, Secretary-General.
Assistant to the League of Arab States, and a representative of the President of the National Media Authority, Mohamed Rashad, President of the Arab Publishers Union, and Sama Suleiman, Undersecretary of the Foreign, African and Arab Affairs Committee in the Senate.
In his speech, Islam Afifi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Akhbar Al-Youm Foundation, stressed that Egyptian-Chinese relations have their roots extending throughout history, carrying with them the fragrance of civilization and human communication.
He added that Egypt is located in the heart of the Arab world, carrying an ancient cultural heritage that extends for thousands of years. Its strategic location, rich culture, and ancient history have made it an important regional center that plays a pivotal role in promoting peace and stability in the region.
He continued that the “Akhbar Al-Youm” Foundation is proud to be an ancient media beacon that has continued its mission for decades to spread awareness and knowledge, and promote dialogue between cultures, adding: We firmly believe in the importance of the media in building bridges of communication between peoples, bringing viewpoints closer, and promoting mutual understanding.
Afifi stressed that Egyptian-Chinese relations are witnessing a qualitative shift today, thanks to the wise vision of the political leadership in the two countries.
Egypt and China have a comprehensive strategic partnership, based on mutual respect and mutual benefit.
He added that, as an embodiment of this partnership, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi visited China seven times, while the Chinese President visited Egypt in 2016.
These visits resulted in the signing of many agreements and memorandums of understanding in various fields, including the media and cultural fields.
Afifi explained that cultural and media cooperation between Egypt and China is an essential pillar for strengthening the bond between the two peoples and spreading the culture of peace and understanding.
He continued: We at “Akhbar Al-Youm” believe in the importance of this mission, and we are working hard to enhance cultural and media exchange between the two countries.
Afifi said that dialogue is the best way to resolve differences and build positive relations between countries. We believe that media and cultural dialogue can replace the dialogue of violence and quarrels, and that it contributes to strengthening economic and trade cooperation between countries.
He explained that the Egyptian media plays an important role in supporting the Egyptian renaissance process, by highlighting achievements, spreading awareness about challenges, and motivating citizens to participate in building a better future.
He added that Egypt is distinguished by its distinguished position as a pioneering country in spreading the culture of tolerance and moderation, continuing: We believe that these values are necessary to build a more peaceful and stable world.
He added that the Egyptian-Chinese rapprochement is a role model for relations between countries, as it embodies the principles of mutual respect, mutual benefit and constructive cooperation.
He stressed that the responsibility of connecting peoples and bringing viewpoints closer falls on all of us, as media professionals, intellectuals, and officials, and we at “Akhbar Al-Youm” affirm our commitment to this responsibility, and we are working to strengthen cooperation with our counterparts in China, in order to build a better future for our peoples.
