Egyptian Ambassador: China is Egypt's genuine development partner

The new Egyptian ambassador to China has assumed his post at a time when China is embarking upon a brisk drive that is expected to give a strong impetus to its relations with Egypt, the Arab states and Africa, all of which are scheduled to take place in the course of the coming year.

As far as Egyptian-Chinese ties are concerned, preparations are under way to celebrate the golden jubilee of the establishment of diplomatic relations. China is looking forward to an upcoming visit by President Hosni Mubarak.

At the Sino-Arab level, arrangements are going on for the convocation of a ministerial meeting within the framework of the Sino-Arab Cooperation Forum. It will be preceded by a get-together of intellectuals to exchange views on the various aspects of developing Arab-Chinese relations and cultural interaction and its role in promoting contemporary international relations.

Furthermore, at the Afro-Sino plane, preparations are under way for holding an African-Chinese summit.

The new Egyptian Ambassador, Mahmoud Allam, told MENA that China was a genuine partner of Egypt's development process and in its ambitious plan to acquire advanced technology and encourage investments.

According to Ambassador Allam, trade exchanges between Egypt and China by the end of July this year amounted to $1.57 billion. US dollars. The volume of Chinese investments in Egypt is estimated at$ 56 million.