On September 13, 2004, Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing held talks with his Egyptian counterpart Gheit. The two sides exchanged views on bilateral relations and major international as well as regional issues of common concern.

LI Zhaoxing indicated that China and Egypt have been enjoying long-standing friendship and share wide common interests in international affairs. At the beginning of this year, Chinese President Hu Jintao paid a successful visit to Egypt, during which he set the orientation of development of China-Egypt relations in the new century jointly with President Mubarak. The two countries are now actively carrying out the achievements of the talks between the two heads of state by boosting the comprehensive development of the bilateral relations. In the first half of this year, bilateral trade volume between the two countries saw a year-on-year growth rate of 43%, and the cooperation in international and regional affairs has also been strengthened. China will make joint efforts with Egypt to deepen the bilateral strategic cooperation and promote the development of relations between China and Arab states as well as between China and African countries.

Gheit agreed to the positive remarks by Li on bilateral relations and indicated satisfaction with the cooperation between the two countries in international affairs, expressing the hope that the two sides will further expand the bilateral economic and trade cooperation, enhance coordination in international affairs and promote the development of the strategic cooperative relations. He reiterated that Egypt consistently adheres to the one-China policy, for which Li expressed thanks.

After the talks, the two foreign ministers jointly met journalists and took their questions.

Li Zhaoxing started his visit to Egypt after arrival in Cairo on September 12.