Egypt, China issue joint statement at conclusion of 4th round of strategic dialogue

CAIRO – 13 December 2024: Egypt and China issued a joint statement at the conclusion of the fourth round of their strategic dialogue.

The round was held in Beijing on Friday, headed by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi.

The two sides exchanged views in a profound and comprehensive manner on Chinese-Egyptian ties and a host of regional and international issues of mutual interest.

They also reviewed the development achievements made by the two countries since the establishment of diplomatic ties between them, most particularly since the elevation of their relations to the level of comprehensive strategic partnership 10 years ago.

The two sides stressed in their joint statement the dire need to implement the important consensuses reached by the presidents of the two countries during their talks in May 2024.

They called for strengthening bilateral relations to realize an ultimate goal of establishing the Chinese-Egyptian community for a not-too-distant future towards the new era, by seizing the opportunity of the 2024 Egypt-China year of partnership as a new starting point.

The two sides lauded the organization of many joint diplomatic, economic, trade, investment, cultural and tourism activities during the current year, with the aim of fostering bilateral cooperation in all domains.

They affirmed the continuation of exchanging support on issues related to the broad interests of each of them.

The Chinese side pledged to continue support for Egypt’s legitimate right to preserve its national sovereignty and territorial integrity and reject external interference in its domestic affairs, under any pretext. It also expressed support for Egypt’s legitimate right to maintain its security and stability in the face of real challenges besetting the country and protect its water and food security and development interests.

For its part, the Egyptian side asserted its continued commitment to the one-China principle and reaffirmed that it considers Taiwan as an integral part of China. Also, it confirmed its support to the Chinese side's stances on issues related to China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and to the complete reunification of China, and expressed rejection of external interference in China's internal affairs.

According to the statement, the two sides will continue to activate the cooperation mechanisms in the fields of diplomacy, economy, trade, investment, productive use of energy, and others with the view to speeding up the implementation of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Egypt’s Vision 2030.

The Egyptian side also expressed its appreciation for the Chinese side’s keenness on continuing to contribute to the economic development and national construction of Egypt, particularly in the fields of manufacturing, infrastructure, energy, science and technology, aviation and space.

The two sides agreed on boosting coordination and cooperation to implement the outcomes of the first BRICS summit after expanding its membership, preserve the common interests of developing countries and enhance solidarity and cooperation of the "Global South".

The two sides agreed that the just settlement of the Palestinian issue is the main pillar of restoring stability in the Middle East region.

In this regard, the two sides called for an end to the Israeli occupation and the establishment of the Palestinian state based on the border lines of June 4, 1967, with Al Quds (occupied East Jerusalem) as its capital.

They stressed the necessity of reaching an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from it, calling for ensuring the safe, immediate and sustained access of humanitarian aid to all parts of the Strip.

The two sides condemned acts of violence and the targeting of civilians and infrastructure, which constitute blatant violations of international law and international humanitarian law.

They agreed on supporting the return of the Palestinian National Authority in the Gaza Strip, which will enable it to undertake the responsibility for any future arrangements in the enclave after the war ends within the framework of inter-Palestinian consensus.

They reiterated that implementing the "two-state solution" is the only way to settle the Palestinian issue, expressing their categorical rejection of attempts to displace Palestinians from their land and stressed their firm support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including obtaining full membership in the United Nations as soon as possible.

The two sides pledged to enhance communication and coordination on this score.

The Chinese side also expressed appreciation for Egypt's mediation efforts between the two parties since the outbreak of the crisis, and its humanitarian efforts, highlighting Egypt’s holding of the Cairo Ministerial Conference to enhance humanitarian response to Gaza on December 2, 2024.

The Egyptian side expressed appreciation for China's genuine efforts to push the Palestinian political factions to engage in a Beijing-hosted dialogue on national reconciliation and sign the Beijing Declaration on ending the division and strengthening the Palestinian national unity.

The two sides said they are closely following the developments in Syria, asserting their support for Syria's sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, and the importance of preserving the capabilities of the state and its national institutions.

They also underlined the need for coordination to provide a helping hand to the Syrian people to put an end to their suffering and achieve stability in the country.

The two sides welcomed the entry into force of the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon, stressing the necessity of implementing UN Security Council Resolution No. 1701 (2006) with all its elements and without selectivity.

The two sides also stressed the key importance of respecting Lebanon's sovereignty, not interfering in its internal affairs, and supporting the national institutions of the Lebanese state, in a way that contributes to exercising its sovereignty over its entire national territory.