China PM lauds Egypt leading role in Middle east

Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang has hailed as "leading" the role played by Egypt in the Middle East region.

Egypt is a main pillar of security and stability in the region, Li said in a meeting with visiting Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi Wednesday.

He said Beijing strongly supports Egypt's efforts to counter terrorism, according to presidential spokesman Alaa Youssef.

Li welcomed Sisi, who is here to attend China's celebrations marking the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II.

Egypt could, in just one year, achieve progress, particularly where the New Suez Canal project is concerned, Li said.

For his part, Sisi praised strategic relations between Cairo and Beijing.

He very much appreciated China's support for the will and choices of the Free Egyptian people, Youssef added.

China's stances reflect its respect for the model Egypt is seeking to promote in the region, where the transition to democracy and fighting terrorism are concerned, Sisi told Li.

The president also stressed Egypt's commitment to taking all measures that should attract foreign direct investments (FDIs), the presidential spokesman said.

The meeting also focused on ways to activate a framework cooperation agreement in the field of productive capacity, which was signed earlier in the day, Youssef added.

Sisi made it clear to Li that Egypt welcomes Chinese investments and is keen on removing obstacles that might face Chinese businessmen, Youssef further said.

Sisi and Li agreed that a quartet committee grouping the Egyptian ministers of trade and investment, and China's minister of trade and secretary of its reform and development panel should continue negotiations and coordination to implement joint projects,

Source: MENA