Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry on Wednesday affirmed that Egypt cooperates with China in the Belt and Road Initiative, and that it has the ability to pursue common interests with the initiative on the basis of mutual respect, according to media reports.
In a press conference with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, in Cairo, Shoukry praised the initiative, saying it will significantly work to enhance peace and stability in the region.
The Belt and Road Initiative was launched by the Chinese government to enhance trade, investments, and infrastructure in more than 150 countries in Asia, Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. The initiative is a revival of what was known as “The Silk Road.”
Shoukry said that Egypt is considering strengthening joint efforts with the Chinese side and enhancing joint cooperation. He highlighted China’s role in providing grants to Egypt on the economic level.
The Egyptian minister also affirmed the strong political will for joint work with China, saying that Egypt seeks to achieve greater rapprochement with China.
Concerning economic relations between Egypt and China, Yi said that there is an agreement to upgrade relations and strategic partnership between the two countries, noting that Chinese investment in Egypt increased by 60 percent.
Yi also noted that the two sides agreed to enhance cooperation in all fields, including in the free trade zone in the Suez Canal as well as many other projects.
Egypt and China also agreed to enhance cooperation in the field of combating terrorism, and exchanging experiences in promoting cooperation to combat extremism, Yi added.
Egypt Today
08/01/2020
