PRESS RELEASE

Egypt’s President Al-Sisi Officially Invited To Visit China Next Month

Nov. 24, 2014 (EIRNS)—China has taken another step to bring Egypt into the new paradigm of the BRICS, with President Xi Jinping extending an official invitation to his Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to visit China in December. Al Tahrir News Network reports that the Chinese Presidential envoy Meng Jianzhu delivered the invitation during his meeting with President al-Sisi in Cairo on Nov. 22. Meng, who is also the secretary of China’s Central Politics and Law Commission of the Communist Party of China, also conveyed warm greetings of President Xi to President al-Sisi.

In an official statement Meng said that relations between the two countries will be upgraded to the level of “comprehensive strategic partnership”. “China cherishes its relations with Egypt as a strategic partner and is keen on enhancing its relations with Egypt in all fields,” said Jianzhu, adding that Chinese companies are willing to invest in Egypt.

President al-Sisi asked Meng to convey his best wishes to President Xi, not only stressing the depth of relations between the two countries, but also noting the Egyptian people’s admiration of Chinese history and China’s great achievements. Looking forward to broadening economic cooperation between the two countries, al-Sisi said he was looking forward to Chinese investments in Egypt, especially such mega projects as the New Suez Canal.

(It should be noted that the Egyptian ambassador to China, Mady Amer, back in July, wrote an op-ed in People’s Daily, in which he noted that historically, Egypt and China were the end points on the Maritime Silk Road of yore.)

Meng also met Egyptian Minister of Interior Mohammad Ibrahim, Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry and Prime Minister Ibrahim Mahlab.

Meng said China fully supports the Egyptian people’s choice of political system and development path aimed at maintaining stability and development. Meng also spoke of security cooperation as well.

Also in the delegation with Meng, were Deputy Secretary General of the State Council Wang Yongqing, Vice Minister of Public Security Meng Hongwei, Ambassador to Egypt Song Aiguo, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Cheng Guoping, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Security Dong Haizhou.