Meeting was held on August 25th, 2019, when the new Chinese Ambassador visited the council; whereas, at his request, the new Ambassador of China to Egypt, Mr. Liao Liqiang, accompanied by two of his assistants, paid a courtesy visit to the council. At the council, he was received by Chairman and Director of the council; Ambassador Dr. Mounir Zaharan and Ambassador Dr. Ezzat Saad, as well as Ambassador Ali El-Hefny, Coordinator of the Permanent Committee for Asian Affairs at the council.
– The Chinese Ambassador spoke paying tribute to the progress achieved in China-Egypt relations noting the six visits of President Al-Sisi to his country and the obvious interaction between leaderships in the two countries.He said that he does not have much experience in Middle East affairs and problems (as he had served as an ambassador to Senegal), and he is looking forwards to the council’s cooperation and support for promoting his message as his country’s ambassador to Egypt. He noted his knowledge of the council’s strong and deep-rooted relations with Chinese Embassy for years. He also expressed his interest to listen the council’s view point regarding his country’s relations with the United States of America.
– Ambassador Ezzat Saad indicated that the policy of the United States of America in the region is a series of mistakes, particularly since Trump took office, whose administration’s priorities contradicts the peace and security requirements of the region; whether through absolute and unlimited bias towards Israel at the expense of Palestinians and Arabs; or through holding Iran, which he mobilizes all kinds of support against, responsible for what is going on in the region. He added that these policies as well as the other policies of Trump related to immigration and his obvious racism resulted in increased anti-American sentiments in the region, and that the circumstances are suitable for more cooperation between china and countries of the region that occupy a key position in China’s strategy in connection with its initiative known as the Belt and Road.
– Ambassador Ali El-Hefny addressed the developments in bilateral relations between the two countries, noting that these relations have taken a new dimension since president Al-Sisi took office; as they have transformed from strategic cooperation to comprehensive strategic partnership. Ambassador El-Hefny pointed out to the need for new horizons and areas of cooperation, noting the close opening of the grand Egyptian museum next year with Japanese financial support in addition to Japan’s successful experience in elementary education councils which Egypt seeks to apply. He added that Chinese companies, in their turn, are doing a great job in the New Administrative Capital of Egypt; “but we expected more”.
– Ambassador Dr. Mounir Zahran paid tribute to China’s wise and quiet Diplomacy when addressing tensions raised by the United States of America, as well as other international and regional problems;
Referring to the nuclear disarmament issue, and the firm stance of the Chinese delegation during the Third Session of the Preparatory Committee for the Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).
