Egyptian Prime Minister Ahmed Nazef on Wednesday praised the cooperative relations between Egypt and China.

 

Egypt appreciates China's support for Egypt and for the Arab cause, Nazef told visiting Chinese State Councilor Hua Jianmin.

 

"Egypt is willing to work with China to deepen the friendly cooperative relations between the two countries," said Nazef. "We hope to further develop strategic cooperation with China."

 

Hua, on his part, noted that Egypt was the first Arab and African country to establish diplomatic relationship with the People's Republic of China.

 

"Bilateral relations have come to a new stage since 1999 when the two countries decided to build a strategic cooperative relationship," said Hua, adding that economic ties between China and Egypt had great potential for development.

 

He also said that China and Egypt had both placed great emphasis on bilateral relations since they first established diplomatic relationship in 1956, noting that Beijing and Cairo had much common ground as regards to regional and international issues and shared many common interests.

 

"China appreciates Egypt's precious support for China over some major issues and China also shows sincere support for Egypt over its just causes," said Hua.

 

In addition, he said that China was willing to further strengthen cooperation with Egypt in various fields. Nazef and Hua later witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Egypt and China over personnel and executive cooperation.

 

Earlier in the day, Hua also met Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul Gheit and other senior Egyptian officials. Hua arrived here on Tuesday at the invitation of the Egyptian government.

 

(Xinhua News Agency April 20, 2006)