Senior Chinese diplomat asserts China’s support for Egypt against terrorism

CAIRO – 16 April 2017: During his recent visit to Cairo, China's special envoy on Middle East affairs Gong Xiaosheng stressed his country’s support for Egypt in combating terrorism and praised the strong economic and trade cooperation between China and the Middle East.


In an interview with Xinhua News Agency Friday, Gong denounced the recent suicide attacks in Tanta and Alexandria and asserted China’s condemnation of all forms of terrorism.


"China stands together with Egypt, especially during hard times," Gong said.


China’s senior diplomat further referred to the Belt and Road Initiative, proposed in 2013 to build a trade network covering over 60 countries and regions from Asia to Europe.


"I think the Belt and Road Initiative is highly likely to become China's most significant contribution to the Middle East peace process because it will provide the economic solution the region needs," Gong said.


The term ‘Belt and Road’ refers to the land-based "Silk Road Economic Belt" and the seagoing "21st Century Maritime Silk Road,” according to the initiative’s official website.


Gong affirmed in the interview that China is seeking a comprehensive solution for the crises in the Middle East region.


"All the crises in the region have been entangled, and it is impossible to solve one without solving the others, especially without handling the Palestinian-Israeli conflict properly," Gong explained to Xinhua.


“As an emerging power, China will shoulder its due responsibilities in the Middle East but it has no selfish interests in the region,” the senior diplomat stated.