President calls for comprehensive efforts to foster peace and stability

President Xi Jinping called on Sept 2 for efforts to build a new security architecture in the Middle East via upholding a vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, while supporting countries in the region in developing good-neighborly and friendly relations.

Xi made the remarks during talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in Cairo, where he put forward a four-point proposal on the situation in the Middle East.

Xi called for fostering the internal driving force for common security in the region, advancing an integrated approach, cementing a development foundation and enhancing international coordination.

He expressed opposition to interference by external forces and voiced support for countries in the region strengthening dialogue on peace and security, exploring the building of a new security architecture for the Middle East, and taking their future into their own hands.

Xi said a comprehensive approach should be adopted to advance common security in the region and that, given the multiple hot spots in the Middle East and their close interconnections, comprehensive solutions should be pursued.

He stressed that the Palestinian question remains at the core of the Middle East issue and should never be ignored or marginalized.

Development, Xi noted, is fundamental to achieving lasting peace and stability in the region. China stands ready to work with countries in the region to safeguard the security of international shipping lanes, advance development cooperation and promote the convergence of interests of the region’s countries, thereby gradually enhancing mutual trust and eliminating the root causes of the conflict.

Xi also said that international coordination for common security in the region should be strengthened, and the United Nations Charter and international law should serve as the fundamental principles for handling Middle East affairs.

The international community, particularly major powers outside the region, should abandon double standards, respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries in the region and help safeguard regional peace and stability, he said.

El-Sisi expressed high appreciation for China’s consistent, objective and impartial positions on the Middle East issue.

He reaffirmed Egypt’s readiness to continue coordination with all regional and international parties, particularly with China, a pivotal state and a permanent member of the UN Security Council, to promote efforts aimed at reducing regional tensions, driving development and addressing global challenges.

Xi’s two-day visit to Egypt marked his first state visit to Egypt in a decade and came as the two countries celebrate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties, with Egypt the first Arab and African country to establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China.

During his talks with El-Sisi, Xi stressed that the two countries should continue supporting each other, deepen cooperation and advance the building of a China-Egypt community with a shared future.

The two countries should also foster new areas of cooperation in green energy, electric vehicles, aerospace, the digital economy and modern agricultural technology, he said.

China has been Egypt’s largest trading partner and source of imports for 14 consecutive years, with bilateral trade increasing from $10.21 billion in 2013 to $20.79 billion in 2025.

El-Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s firm adherence to the one-China principle and hailed the “tangible leap” in bilateral relations across various fields.

Contact the writers at zhaojia@chinadaily.com.cn