China wants stability in Egypt

BEIJING, Dec. 16 -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Monday that China regards Egypt as a major regional power and important strategic partner.

"A stable Egypt is the sincere hope of China," Wang said in talks with visiting Egyptian Foreign Minister Nabil Fahmy in Beijing on Monday.

He said China respects the Egyptian people's right to choose their own political system and development path, supports their efforts to maintain stability and economic growth.

China has removed travel alerts for Chinese tourists to Luxor and Sharm El-Sheik. More Chinese visitors are expected to be back to Egypt under the precondition that their safety is guaranteed, Wang said, hoping that Egypt can provide necessary assurance and convenience to Chinese nationals and businesses heading to the country.

Wang touched on his upcoming Middle East trip, which includes Palestine, Israel, Algeria, Morocco and Saudi Arabia, slated from Dec. 17 to 26. "We are committed to the proper resolution of regional hotspot issues and do not wish to see more war and conflict."

China hopes Arab countries and regional members will grow stronger and play a bigger role in protecting the interests of developing countries and global peace and development, Wang said.

He said China is ready to enhance collaboration with Egypt in regional and international affairs.

Fahmy briefed Wang on the latest situation in Egypt, thanking China's long-term political and economic support. He said Egypt views the bilateral ties from a strategic perspective and is ready to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation with China.

Both sides also exchanged views on Syria, the Iranian nuclear issue and Korean Peninsula situation.