Cairo: President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, along with First Lady Mrs. Entissar El-Sisi, welcomed President Xi Jinping of the People's Republic of China and his spouse at Al-Ittihadiya Palace. This meeting was a part of President Xi Jinping's official visit to Egypt.
According to State Information Service Egypt, the reception ceremony was marked with a guard of honor, a 21-gun salute, and the national anthems of both nations. The event culminated with a commemorative photograph featuring both Presidents and their spouses. An expanded session of talks followed the reception, attended by delegations from both countries, leading to the signing of an agreement and several memoranda of understanding. The meeting concluded with a luncheon hosted by President El-Sisi and the First Lady in honor of their Chinese counterparts.
During the talks, President El-Sisi delivered a speech highlighting the importance of the visit. President Xi expressed gratitude for the warm reception and emphasized China's appreciation for its cooperative relationship with Egypt. He reiterated China's commitment to the 2014 Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and expressed interest in expanding the partnership further, encouraging Chinese investments in Egypt.
The leaders discussed various regional and international issues, emphasizing the importance of diplomatic solutions to crises. They expressed a shared interest in reducing tensions in the Middle East and supported efforts to reach a comprehensive agreement to end regional conflicts. President El-Sisi underscored the importance of de-escalation and respect for sovereignty, while President Xi expressed appreciation for Egypt's efforts in maintaining regional peace.
The Palestinian cause was a significant topic during the talks. President El-Sisi reaffirmed the need for a just settlement based on international resolutions and emphasized humanitarian aid to Gaza. He praised China's support for Palestinian rights and the two-state solution.
Additionally, President El-Sisi stressed the Nile River's vital importance to Egypt, urging adherence to international law by Nile Basin countries. President Xi expressed appreciation for Egypt's regional peace efforts and reiterated China's desire to strengthen coordination on regional and international issues.
The visit resulted in the signing of important documents between Egyptian and Chinese entities, further cementing the relationship between the two nations. Both leaders agreed to continue working together to enhance bilateral relations and consult on issues of mutual interest.