(FOCAC) Interview: FOCAC enriches Africa-China relations, says Egyptian PM

by Xinhua writers Mao Lei, Yao Bing

CAIRO, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) has enriched the Africa-China relations and achieved fruitful results, Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly has said.

"The importance of the FOCAC is not limited to the economic aspect only, but rather it works as a platform for collective dialogue between Africa and China," said the prime minister in a recent written interview with Xinhua.

By looking at the situation when the forum was established in 2000 and the achievements of Africa-China cooperation today, "we realize the extent of the remarkable growth and development of those relations, which have become flowing and striking in all fields," Madbouly said.

Regarding the upcoming 2024 FOCAC summit, Madbouly noted the event can further advance Africa-China cooperation, as the prospects for cooperation are vast and promising for both parties, especially since the areas that can be given priority during the next stage stem primarily from the current challenges witnessed by the continent.

"Africa has become increasingly aware of the seriousness of these challenges and is determined to change its reality, so that the continent becomes more self-reliant and has sufficiency, especially with regard to the basic and food needs of the peoples," he added.

The prime minister stressed that Egypt was the first Arab and African country to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China, which attests to the uniqueness of the relationship that extends over time between the Egyptian and the Chinese peoples.

Since then, bilateral relations have been growing, and this was particularly evident during times of crises that the two countries were exposed to, as it reflected the depth of understanding between them in their positions towards each other in various international forums, Madbouly said.

In recent years, Egypt contributed, alongside China, to establishing the China-Africa Cooperation Forum and the China-Arab Cooperation Forum, he said.

"Egypt is one of the first countries to join the Belt and Road Initiative, and to support China's initiatives for global security, global development, and global civilization," Madbouly said, adding both sides celebrated the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Egypt-China comprehensive strategic partnership this year.

He said that the two countries have formed a multi-level cooperation framework.

Madbouly noted that he has made several visits to China, with the last one in October last year to participate in the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation.

He elaborated on a few successful examples of the Belt and Road cooperation projects, including the China-Egypt TEDA Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone (TEDA) and the Central Business District (CBD) in the new administrative capital of Egypt.

Established in 2008, TEDA has attracted a large number of companies covering a range of different sectors, including new building materials, high and low-voltage equipment, and machinery manufacturing, emerging as a major project linking the Belt and Road Initiative and Egypt through the Suez Canal axis, Madbouly said.

He said the TEDA zone is interested in attracting new energy projects and directing companies to pay attention to environmental protection by activating green and low-carbon development projects.

Regarding Chinese investments in the new administrative capital, the prime minister said that what has been built displays the extent of the distinguished cooperation relations between Egypt and China.

Egypt appreciates the tangible achievements of Egypt-China cooperation in the last decade, he said, adding that Egypt is ready to continue strengthening cooperation with China.

On the opportunities that Egypt's joining the BRICS group will provide, Madbouly noted that Egypt's accession in January 2024 came to embody the depth of the common ties between Egypt and the various countries of the group, which carries many opportunities to deepen cooperation.

Cairo is ready to work with the BRICS members to achieve constructive cooperation, he said.

As for the role of Egypt and China in helping ease tension in the Middle East, Madbouly said the visions of Egypt and China are coherent regarding the importance and centrality of maintaining the security of the region.

Egypt will continue to work with China to avoid further escalation of regional tensions while continuing to support the just cause of the Palestinian people to restore their legitimate national rights, which will contribute to finding a permanent, comprehensive and just solution to the Palestinian issue based on activating the two-state solution, he said. ■

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