Egyptian-Chinese ties have come a long way - ambassador

Egyptian Ambassador in China Ali Hossamdin said Friday four years of close cooperation between Egypt and China have paid off.

Speaking at a press conference after his term expired, Hossamdin said the trade volume between both countries has jumped from $952 million in 2001 to $1577 million in 2004 and is projected to reach two billions by the end of this year.

The diplomat said that over the past four years Egyptian and Chinese officials were keen on reciprocating visits, which were culminated in a visit by President Hosni Mubarak to Beijing in 2002.

He said China has further opened the first Chinese culture central in Africa and the Middle East in Egypt.