(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-05-20 23:11

SHARM El-SHEIKH, Egypt  -- Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak has expressed his admiration of the Chinese government's efficient and timely relief efforts following the earthquake that hit China's southwestern Sichuan province last week.

Mubarak expressed his sadness and regret over the heavy losses caused by the earthquake during talks on Monday with Li Wuwei, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, who is heading a Chinese delegation here to attend the World Economic Forum on the Middle East.

The Egyptian leader offered his deep sympathy and condolences to the Chinese leaders, the Chinese government and the Chinese people.

Mubarak also hailed the friendly relations and cooperation between the two countries, which have contributed much to world civilization and progress, expecting to further the bilateral strategic cooperation with both countries' efforts.

For his part, Li noted that Chinese-Egyptian relations are developing steadily with the increased deepening of friendly cooperation in various fields.

He expressed China's appreciation of Egypt's adherence to the one-China policy and opposition to any attempts to split China.

The senior Chinese official also noted that China is willing to promote peace, stability and prosperity in the Middle East through the forum and together with the nations of the region, including Egypt.

A total of 1,500 people, including heads of state, high-ranking government officials and business leaders from 55 countries, will attend the three-day forum in this Egyptian Red Sea resort.