Chinese FM: Egypt important partner in Belt, Road initiative

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi has met with his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry and invited Egypt to take part in the upcoming summit on international cooperation within the framework of "One Belt, One Road" initiative in Beijing in mid May, China's Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.

Wang and Shoukry met on Monday on the sidelines of the first Ancient Civilizations Forum, which was held in Athens.

"Egypt is our important partner in the joint implementation of 'One Belt, One Road' strategy. The Chinese side invites Egypt to take part in the summit," Wang was quoted as saying in the ministry's statement.

On May 14-15, Beijing will host "One Belt One Road" summit, gathering leaders of 28 countries.

China's "One Belt, One Road" strategy was launched in 2013 and is aimed at developing infrastructure and strengthening ties between Eurasian countries, focusing on the land-based Silk Road Economic Belt (SREB) and the 21st-century Maritime Silk 

Wang said the two sides could further dovetail their development and achieve mutual benefits.

He noted that China stands ready to maintain close coordination and communication with the Egyptian side in international affairs.

Wang also said he is looking forward that Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi would attend the 2017 BRICS Summit which is scheduled to begin in September.

According to the ministry, Shoukry said that Cairo would study the new channels of cooperation with Beijing within the framework of "One Belt, One Road" initiative and would further strengthen bilateral relations.

Shoukry said Egypt‘s relations with China represents a top priority in Egypt’s foreign policy, highlighting that both countries share identical stands vis-à-vis several issues.

Source: MENA