Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry and the vice-president of the Communist Party of China Hai-Ting met on Friday to discuss "the Chinese government's support of the political, economic, and social advancements Egypt is making," the foreign ministry said in a statement. Shoukry thanked China for its role in helping developing countries economically, especially through the Group 77 organisation, which was created in 1964 to facilitate trade and economic agreements between developing countries. Shoukry also told the Chinese official that Egypt is interested in attracting Chinese investments. He stated that Egypt wishes for high participation of Chinese companies in its next economic conference in February. Hai-Ting stated his country "trusts completely that Egypt's future is bright with its new leadership" and that visits between the two states would be more frequent. He added that China would also like to revive its economic connection to the region, stressing on reviving its old silk route. He did not offer more details. The two officials discussed regional issues, including the Palestinian situation, the crisis regarding the Nile waters, as well as "human rights issues". According to the ministry, Egypt was the first Arab and African country to build diplomatic relations with China after its independence.
