CAIRO: Egypt and China are continuing their top level push to increase bilateral relations. On Monday, China's Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi met with his Egyptian counterpart Nabil el-Arabi to look into bolstering the two countries' partnerships. The Chinese foreign minister told reporters that as a result of the two countries long history together, they hope to establish further strategic cooperation deals, including bilateral ties Jiechi dubbed “south-south cooperation.” This year marks the 55-year anniversary of the creation of diplomatic relations. As a result, China said it would look to continue its policy of cooperation partnerships with Egypt. The foreign minister said that both countries should look to “deepen political and strategic cooperation, consolidate practical cooperation in all sectors and coordinate closely on international and regional affairs.” He added that Egypt is facing a monumental change and that Beijing would respect the will and choices of the Egyptian population. “China supported the efforts made by Egypt to maintain domestic stability and promote economic and social development,” said Yang. “The Egyptian side had enough wisdom and abilities to realize a smooth transition of power and enter a new era of stability and development,” he added. In October, the two countries inked 22 deals totaling $400 million to expand trade and economic relations. According to the new agreements, China and Egypt will cooperate in tourism, agricultural and power projects. They also signed on for the establishment of manufacturing plants for cars, spare parts, home appliances and electronics in Egypt. China already has a large foot inside Egypt, with factories sprouting up across the country in an effort to enter the market here and across Africa. A Chinese economic official told Bikya Masr recently that China's efforts in Egypt “are linked to its goal of pushing forward in Africa and bolstering China's trade relations with the continent.” Egypt was the first Arab country to recognize China in 1956. Since then, the two nations have enjoyed a bilateral cooperation on many sectors. Currently, 1,079 Chinese companies are operating in Egypt which, translates into $323.9 million invested. The Chinese foreign minister is expected to meet with Chief of Egypt's Supreme Council of the Armed Forces Hussein Tantawi on Tuesday as part of his two-day visit to the North African nation. BM
