CRI听力:Review on China-Egypt Relationship

Egypt was the first Arab country and the first African country to establish bilateral ties with China, six decades ago.

Former Chinese ambassador to Egypt An Huihou says the two countries have maintained sound relations ever since.

"President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi is the fifth president since the establishment of formal relations between China and Egypt. Even with some turbulence within the country, Egyptian government has always maintained a good relationship with China. Both nations shared common attitudes toward major international affairs, enhanced bilateral economic cooperation, and strengthened cultural communication."

In December 2014, during President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's visit to China, the two nations upgraded bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

President Xi Jinping took the occasion as a chance to express his hope for an even higher level of cooperation.

"Egypt is an Arab country, an African country as well as a big developing country. It has big influence on international affairs especially those concerning Middle East issues. I've always paid high attention to relations with Egypt. I'd like to upgrade the bilateral tie between our countries with you and I believe president Sisi's visit will give a vigorous boost to our cooperation in various fields."

Egypt has been an active player in the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation as well as the China-Arab States Expo.

The country is also an official member of the "Silk Road Economic Belt Trade Union," which encompasses 92 Chinese and foreign associations. Egypt has also joined the "Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank" as a founding member.

Former ambassador An says the economic cooperation between will have wide-ranging benefits for both sides.

"Arab countries like Egypt needs to expend employment, improve people's living standard while pursuing industrialization. It agrees with China's "Belt and Road Initiative." Deepening the relationship between China and Egypt as well as with other Arab countries under the framework will be mutually beneficial."

Egypt is now actively working on its Suez Canal Area Development Project, which is highly complementary with China's 'Belt and Road Initiative.'

The New Suez Canal, an $8.2 billion project finished in July, added a new channel to allow shipping in both directions at once, and has raised the daily capacity of the Canal by 90 percent. China has reportedly become the top user of the Canal.

According to the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, the first eleven months of Sino-Egyptian trade in 2015 reached $11.6 billion, a 10 percent increase from the previous year. Egyptian imports from China increased $10.7 billion, while exports sold to China reached $887 million.

Marking the 60th anniversary of joint diplomatic relations, 2016 has been announced as the Chinese-Egyptian cultural year.

An Huihou says even with a relationship deeply rooted in history, there is still a lot to look forward to.

"Egyptian people have always been interested in Chinese culture. We've set up two Confucius Institutes in the country and several Egyptian universities have Chinese courses and some even have Chinese language departments. If you travel there now, it's quite easy to find local tour guides speaking fluent mandarin. The cultural communication and cooperation between China and Egypt certainly enjoy sound prospects."

More than 100 cultural events will be held throughout the year, with China hosting more than 60 activities covering music, dance, cinema, literature, and food, along with many seminars and exhibitions.

For CRI, I'm Luo Laiming.