Xi urges new Mideast security steps

President Xi Jinping called on Wednesday for efforts to build a new security architecture in the Middle East via upholding a vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, while supporting countries in the region in developing good-neighborly and friendly relations.

Xi made the remarks during talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in Cairo, where he put forward a four-point proposal on the situation in the Middle East.

Xi called for fostering the internal driving force for common security in the region, advancing an integrated approach, cementing a development foundation and enhancing international coordination.

Xi expressed opposition to interference by external forces and voiced support for countries in the region strengthening dialogue on peace and security, exploring the building of a new security architecture for the Middle East, and taking their future into their own hands.

He said that a comprehensive approach should be adopted to advance common security in the region and that, given the multiple hot spots in the Middle East and their close interconnections, comprehensive solutions should be pursued.

He stressed that the Palestinian question remains at the core of the Middle East issue and should never be ignored or marginalized.

Development, Xi noted, is fundamental to achieving lasting peace and stability in the region. China stands ready to work with countries in the region to safeguard the security of international shipping lanes, advance development cooperation and promote the convergence of interests of the region's countries, thereby gradually enhancing mutual trust and eliminating the root causes of the conflict.

Xi also said that international coordination for common security in the region should be strengthened, and the United Nations Charter and international law should serve as the fundamental principles for handling Middle East affairs.

The international community, particularly major powers outside the region, should abandon double standards, respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries in the region and help safeguard regional peace and stability, he said.

El-Sisi expressed high appreciation for China's consistent, objective and impartial positions on the Middle East issue.

He reaffirmed Egypt's readiness to continue coordination with all regional and international parties, particularly with China, a pivotal state and a permanent member of the UN Security Council, in order to promote efforts aimed at reducing regional tensions, driving development and addressing global challenges.

Xi's two-day visit to Egypt marked his first state visit to Egypt in a decade and came as the two countries celebrate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties, with Egypt having been the first Arab and African country to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China.

During his talks with El-Sisi, Xi stressed that the two countries should continue supporting each other, deepen cooperation and advance the building of a China-Egypt community with a shared future.

Xi called on the two sides to maintain the momentum of high-level exchanges, expand communication and cooperation at various levels and in different fields, and strengthen exchanges and mutual learning on governance.

He also urged stronger alignment of the two countries' development strategies and efforts to further tap the potential in areas such as infrastructure, electricity, agriculture and communications technology.

The two countries should also foster new areas of cooperation in green energy, electric vehicles, aerospace, the digital economy and modern agricultural technology, he said.

China has been Egypt's largest trading partner and source of imports for 14 consecutive years, with bilateral trade increasing from $10.21 billion in 2013 to $20.79 billion in 2025.

Xi said the two sides should strengthen security cooperation, jointly combat transnational crime, deepen international cooperation against corruption, firmly support each other's counterterrorism efforts, and safeguard their common security.

El-Sisi reaffirmed Egypt's firm adherence to the one-China principle and hailed the "tangible leap" in bilateral relations across various fields.

The two sides also issued a joint statement on further deepening their comprehensive strategic partnership. More than 20 cooperation documents were signed during the visit in areas including the digital economy, science and technology, education and transportation.