Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi at the Great Hall of the People on December 23, 2014. This is the first time that Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has visited an Asian country outside the Arab world since he took office as head of state. The two heads of state jointly decided to elevate the Sino-Egyptian relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership, marking a new era in which China and Egypt as two nations with ancient civilizations will carry forward the torch of Asian and African civilization.

Xi is a great strategist. He emphasizes that the countries of Africa, Asia, and Latin America are interdependent and their interests are closely interwoven. The media have noted that Sisi's visit underscores China's importance. Xi Jinping points out that Egypt is a major developing country in the Arab, African, and Islamic world. The two countries have always enjoyed mutual understanding and respect as well as mutual trust and support. The Sino-Egyptian relationship is a role model for Sino-Arabian relations, Sino-African relations and South-South cooperation.

Xi Jinping has stressed that China offers firm support to Egypt's pursuit of a development path in accordance with her national conditions, believing that Egypt possesses the wisdom and capabilities to deal with the problems it will face in the drive to promote stability and progress. Sisi's new government needs support from China while China needs Egypt, whose important strategic location in Middle East can help promote China's economic development. The comprehensive strategic Sino-Egyptian partnership will provide strong support to a higher level of bilateral cooperation in various fields.

Xi's plan to build the Maritime Silk Road will helps improve the quality of Sino-Egyptian ties and provide greater opportunities for the development of Egypt. Sisi has committed Egypt's support for Xi's Belt and Road initiatives, which will help inspire Egypt's renewal.

This article was edited and translated from 《习大大点亮亚非两束璀璨的文明之光》, source: Youth.cn