Leader greeted as a new friend to China

China solidified its ties with leading Arabic and African player Egypt on Tuesday, as Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi visited here in his first visit outside his home region.

Beijing and Cairo inked eight cooperation agreements, including economic and tourism pacts, after their leaders met to help the turbulent Middle Eastern country jump-start its sluggish economy.

Officials and analysts said Morsi's "historic" two-day visit will help bilateral ties, as Beijing secures its partnership in the crisis-haunted Middle East, while Egypt's new leadership reaffirms its priority on China ties as Cairo adjusts its foreign policy.