Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang, left, listens during a press conference with his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry, at the foreign ministry headquarters in Cairo, Egypt, Sunday, Jan. 15, 2023 (AP Photo/Amr Nabil)

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry welcomed his Chinese counterpart Qin Gang, who is visiting Egypt for the first time since assuming his duties, expressing Egypt's aspiration to bring relations to a higher level between the two countries during the coming period.

In a joint press conference with his Chinese counterpart, Shoukry highlighted the existing political will between the two countries to strengthen cooperation, pointing to the importance of their historical relations and the desire of the two countries to enhance cooperation on the basis of common interest and non-interference in the internal affairs of countries.

Shoukry also indicated that it was agreed to activate bilateral cooperation at all levels, explaining that bilateral relations are characterized by being comprehensive strategic relations that are important in all aspects.

The Chinese Foreign Minister conveyed to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi the greetings of President Xi Jinping, expressing China's keenness to continue developing its strategic relations with Egypt, noting his country's respect and appreciation for its pivotal role in the stability of the Middle East.

Palestinian cause, a key cause in the Middle East

The Chinese foreign minister also touched on the file of the Palestinian cause, describing it as "the key cause in the Middle East in terms of peace and stability in the region."

"We are deeply concerned about the recent tense situation, and we call on the relevant parties to abide by the United Nations resolutions related to the Palestinian cause and to preserve the historical status quo of Al-Quds," the Chinese foreign minister added.

In response to journalists' questions, the Chinese foreign minister indicated that "the Chinese president stressed that the injustice against the Palestinians should not continue indefinitely, and it is not permissible to compromise on their legitimate national rights."

The international community needs to adhere to the development of the two-state solution and exert all efforts to foster negotiations on expanding humanitarian and developmental aid to Palestinians and find a just and urgent solution to their cause, he stressed.

The Chinese Foreign Minister also called on the Israeli occupation to stop incitements and provocations in order to avoid any unilateral move that would exacerbate the situation.

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