China looks forward to deepening mutually beneficial cooperation with Egypt via Premier Li Qiang's upcoming official visit to the Arab and African country, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning on Wednesday at a regular press briefing in Beijing.
At the invitation of Prime Minister of Egypt Mostafa Kamal Madbouly, Premier Li will pay an official visit to Egypt from July 9 to 10, according to Mao.
"Egypt was the first Arab and African country to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China. China and Egypt are comprehensive strategic partners. In recent years, under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi, China and Egypt have enjoyed a vibrant relationship, and deepened political mutual trust, with fruitful practical cooperation in various areas and close coordination on multilateral affairs," the spokeswoman said.
"During the visit, Premier Li Qiang and Egyptian leaders will have in-depth exchanges of views on developing bilateral relations, deepening mutually beneficial cooperation and on issues of mutual interests. Through the visit, China looks forward to working together with Egypt to carry forward traditional friendship, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, and steer the bilateral ties toward the goal of building a community with a shared future in the new era, so as to build a China-Arab community with a shared future at a higher level," she said.
China looks forward to deepening mutually beneficial cooperation with Egypt: spokeswoman
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
