Mubarak Meets with Chinese Vice PremierEgyptian President Hosni Mubarak met on November 19 with visiting Chinese Vice Premier Wu Bangguo in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el Sheikh.During the meeting, Wu conveyed the regards of Chinese President Jiang Zemin to Mubarak, saying that Mubarak has developed deep- rooted friendship with the three generations of Chinese leadership and contributed significantly to the Sino-Egyptian friendly and cooperative relations. As a major power in the Arab world and Africa, Egypt has played an important role in regional and global affairs, Wu said. He spoke highly of Egypt's efforts to maintain peace and stability in the Middle East and the world, enhance solidarity within the Arab and African countries and promote the common prosperity of the developing countries. Wu said Egypt was the first among the Arab and African countries to set up diplomatic relations with China, adding that relations between China and Egypt have endured the changeable situation of the world since 1956. The Chinese vice premier said the two countries have carried out efficient cooperation in the fields of politics, economy, technology and others, especially under the aegis of the presidents of the two countries. Wu said President Mubarak made "a successful visit" to China last year, during which he and President Jiang signed a joint communique on the establishment of the Sino-Egyptian strategic cooperative relations in the 21st century. Jiang met again with Mubarak in Egypt's Mediterranean port city of Alexandria last April, further promoting bilateral relations, Wu said. He added that the two countries can explore ways to expand economic and trade cooperation, expecting the two sides to make joint efforts to substantiate the strategic cooperative relations. Mubarak said the Egyptian government is very satisfied with the bilateral relations, adding that Egypt is willing to strengthen and deepen the cooperative relations with China. The president expressed welcome to Chinese investments in Egypt and carry on trade. He praised the great achievements China has made since it began adopting the policy of reform and opening to the outside world in 1978, saying that a properous and powerful China would be helpful to the balance of power in the world, as well as to the world peace. Mubarak asked Wu to convey his greetings to President Jiang and Premier Zhu Rongji. Wu arrived in Cairo on Saturday after a three-day trip in Sudan. He will travel to Kuwait after wrapping up the visit to Egypt. |
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