BEIJING, Jan. 9 -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has hoped that Egypt would restore stability, achieve development and regain its role as a major country in the region.

Wang made the remarks when asked about how does China see the future of Egypt by Al Jazeera, a Qatar-based pan-Arab TV channel, according to a news release from the Foreign Ministry on Thursday.

Wang said Egypt is an ancient civilization and a major Arab and African country. China and Egypt have a long history of friendly exchanges. Egypt has played a very important role in maintaining regional peace and stability.

In more recent years, turbulence erupted inside Egypt, which is detrimental not only to the country's own stability and development but also to the role it is expected to play in the region, he said.

Egypt, in our view, is in the middle of political and social transition, and it is in search of a development path suited to its national conditions, he said, adding that, in so doing, Egypt has China's understanding and support.

"The Egyptians are a great people," he said, "they have the wisdom and ability to find a development path that is conducive to the country, acceptable to its people and suited to Egypt's realities."

The recent situation in Egypt is moving in a positive direction and we just hosted a visit to China by the Egyptian foreign minister, said Wang.

"It is my impression that Egypt is regaining its confidence, more willing to get engaged with the rest of the world, including the major countries, which is a highly positive development." he said.