Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning announced that her country fully supports Egypt in its reconstruction efforts in the Gaza Strip, noting that Cairo played a significant role in brokering the ceasefire in Gaza, a first step towards ending the conflict – though the ceasefire remains fragile.
Speaking exclusively to Al-Masry Al-Youm, Ning explained that Egypt has a major role in Palestine and the Middle East region.
Her statements were made during a conference moderated by the media advisor at the Chinese Embassy, Chu Shaozhong, entitled “Why is the Fourth Full State of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China important?”, held at a Cairo hotel with the participation of the Chinese Ambassador, Liao Liqiang.
She stressed the necessity of a two-state solution and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state to work towards ending the conflict, as the humanitarian suffering witnessed by the world in Gaza deserves attention regarding the war, which lasted for more than two years.
“It is an unprecedented crisis, and the crisis pains China as much as it pains Egypt and the world. We see no solution to this situation except through peace and a two-state solution,” she stated.
She noted that Beijing has provided humanitarian aid throughout the past period, adding that recently Chinese President Xi Jinping announced a grant of $100 million to Palestine to alleviate human suffering and reconstruction efforts – a show of solidarity with the Palestinian people until they obtain their legitimate rights.
The spokesperson assured that China will continue to provide aid in the future, particularly in the Middle East, where it plays a unique role in the Palestinian issue aiming for a ceasefire.
Egypt and China desire peace, be it globally or in the Middle East, she said, adding that Beijing supports Cairo in its efforts to rebuild Gaza as well as in reconstruction and consultation.
Beijing Declaration
Regarding China’s initiative through the “Beijing Declaration” of July 2024 on Palestinian-Palestinian reconciliation between factions, Ning said that Beijing continues to push for reconciliation efforts as a step towards resolving the Palestinian issue, and that Beijing is always ready to act in this area.
She affirmed that she experienced the richness of Egyptian civilization firsthand through her visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum and the Pyramids.
She added that China and Egypt are both ancient civilizations that have learned from each other for a long time. Both countries boast a long history spanning thousands of years, a magnificent and ancient civilization, and world wonders such as the Great Wall of China and the Pyramids.
“China and Egypt have maintained mutually beneficial cooperation for a long time, with China remaining Egypt’s largest trading partner for 13 consecutive years,” Ning explained.
Thanks to the joint efforts of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and President Xi Jinping, China’s imports from Egypt have increased, and China is now one of the most active and fastest investors in Egypt. According to Egyptian statistics, the number of Chinese companies in Egypt exceeds 2,800, and the value of the investment has reached nine billion dollars.
She noted that economic cooperation is being pursued through the implementation of customs exemptions with African countries, particularly Egypt, while Egyptian products such as oranges and cotton have entered the Chinese market.
Ning added that there will be cooperation in the field of technological innovation in the space and aviation sector, praising the 2.8 million visitors who toured Egyptian antiquities at the Shanghai Expo.
