On June 21, 2009, China's special envoy on the Middle East issue Wu Sike met with Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Abu Gheit in Cairo. Both sides had an in-depth exchange of views on the current situation in the Middle East, emerging opportunities and difficulties, as well as all relevant parties' positions on how to push forward the peace process.

During the meeting, Wu said this was his first visit to a Middle East country since he took office as special envoy. He hoped to convey, through the visit, the concern of the Chinese leaders, the Chinese government and its people over the Middle East issue. Under the current new circumstances, he also hoped to conduct direct discussions with all sides involved in the issue and maintain frequent communication and consultations with them. "China, together with the parties concerned and the international community, is willing to push forward the Middle East peace process," he added.

For his part, Abu Gheit said that Egypt appreciates China's efforts in facilitating the peace process, hoping that the Chinese government, along with the special envoy, would play a bigger role on the issue.

Earlier in the day, Wu also met with Arab League (AL) Secretary General Amr Moussa at the AL headquarters in Cairo.

Egypt is the first stop of Wu's regional trip which will also take him to the Palestinian territories, Israel, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon and Russia. During the trip, he will exchange views with relevant parties on the current situation in the Middle East.