Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul Gheit on Wednesday said that his country is seeking to enhance relations with China in all fields.

 

Abul Gheit made the remarks while addressing the annual conference of the Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs, which has China's development in the 21st century as its main focus this year.

 

Chinese Ambassador to Egypt Wu Sike was invited to attend the meeting.

 

Abul Gheit told the meeting that Egypt and China are to mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relationship in 2006.

 

"Such an occasion is a good opportunity to carry out a profound analysis and objective evaluation of bilateral relations in order to take practical steps towards the best investment and continued cooperation," he said.

 

The two countries will promote bilateral relations in all domains and establish a comprehensive strategic dialogue that goes in line with the changing regional and international conditions, he added.

 

Abul Gheit also welcomed China's endeavors to play an effective role in the Middle East region and Africa.

 

Wu said at the meeting that China pays great attention to its relations with Egypt, adding trade and economic cooperation between China and Egypt have great potentials.

 

He noted that bilateral trade has increased from US$750 million in 1999 to more than US$1.5 billion in 2004 and the figure is expected to reach US$2 billion by the end of 2005.

 

(Xinhua News Agency December 29, 2005)