Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Egypt and China have reaffirmed their commitment to supporting one another on issues involving their respective core interests and primary concerns.
The understanding was reached during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s official visit to Egypt, accompanied by his wife, Peng Liyuan, on September 1 and 2.
China acknowledged the vital importance of the Nile River to Egypt, describing it as the country’s primary lifeline. Beijing also recognized Egypt’s legitimate right to protect its water and food security, as well as its development interests. Both sides called on all Nile Basin countries to comply with international law and avoid actions that could cause harm to other states.
Egypt, for its part, reaffirmed its opposition to interference in China’s internal affairs and reiterated its firm commitment to the one-China principle. It recognized Taiwan as an inseparable part of the People’s Republic of China and expressed support for Beijing’s position on issues concerning China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, including efforts to achieve national reunification.
The visit coincided with the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Egypt and China. Egypt was the first Arab and African country to recognize the People’s Republic of China and establish diplomatic ties with Beijing, doing so in 1956.
Over the past seven decades, relations between the two countries have expanded steadily across political, economic, and other areas. Their partnership has been shaped by mutual respect, trust, shared benefits, solidarity, and reciprocal support. Egypt-China relations have also played an important role in strengthening cooperation and friendship between China and Arab and African countries.
The two presidents held formal talks covering the full scope of bilateral relations. They reviewed the significant progress made since the launch of their comprehensive strategic partnership in 2014 and exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual concern, reaching broad areas of agreement.
