Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) meets with Egyptian Prime Minister Sherif Ismail in Cairo, Egypt, January 20, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE

Egypt was the first Arab and African country to establish diplomatic relations with China, and this year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic ties.

The two sides, treating each other with mutual understanding, respect, trust and support, have been developing their ties in a healthy and stable manner, Xi said in his written remarks upon arrival.

Xi recalled the visit of Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi to China in December 2014 when Beijing and Cairo elevated their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership, saying that bilateral relations are at an important phase now, and the pair should well inherit their past traditions and break new grounds for the future.

Xi said he is happy to see that the Egyptian people are working hard to maintain social stability, develop the economy and better people's livelihood.

"We believe that the people of Egypt, with their diligence and wisdom, can surely overcome difficulties and challenges, and continue to make progress in realizing the Egyptian dream of building a strong country in which people are better off," he said.

To welcome the first visit of a Chinese president in 12 years, Egypt sent eight fighter jets to escort Xi's plane when it entered the country's airspace, and Sisi was also at the airport to welcome Xi.

When meeting with Sisi in the evening at Abdeen Palace, the main workplace of the Egyptian president, Xi also voiced China's support to Egypt's greater role in regional and international affairs.

WARM RESPONSE

Sisi told Xi that Egypt admires China's development achievements and is eager to learn from China's experience in many aspects.

Ismail also said Egypt cherishes its traditional friendship with China and will bolster cooperation with China in various fields.

Egypt supports the Belt and Road Initiative, will actively participate in the cooperation within such framework and become a corridor connecting trade between China and Europe, the prime minister added.

Egypt's official Middle East News Agency reported that the country's cabinet spoke highly of Xi's highly-anticipated visit, saying it reflected the deeply-rooted relations between the two countries.

Meanwhile, the country's official Al-Ahram newspaper in a special report of 20 pages on Wednesday recalled the historical moments in bilateral relations, and expected China and Egypt to sign an array of cooperative documents in such areas as small and medium-sized enterprises, agriculture, tourism, electricity and education during Xi's visit.