When Chinese President Hu Jintao told his
Egyptian counterpart Mohamed Morsi during their recent meeting in
Beijing that Sino-Egyptian relations have "stood the test of time,"
he meant exactly what he said. Morsi's visit itself was a testament
to the enduring nature of these relations.
The visit drew intense scrutiny partly because
it came only two months after Morsi assumed presidency following
Egypt's strenuous political transition. Since unrest broke out
early last year, dramatic changes have taken place in the Middle
East nation, culminating in the election of a new president in
June. But the tumultuous developments have not disrupted relations
between China and Egypt. Over the past year, the two countries have
not only been able to coordinate stances on the ongoing turmoil in
the region but also seen a notable expansion of their business
ties. Bilateral trade totaled $8.8 billion in 2011, up nearly 30
percent over the previous year. China's annual direct investment in
Egypt also soared 60.4 percent year on year to reach $82.8 million
last year.
One of the factors that helped keep the
Sino-Egyptian relationship on the right track is the Chinese
Government's unbiased stance toward the upheaval in the Middle
East. While calling for an end to violence, China believes
conflicting parties could find a solution through negotiations
without foreign intervention. Unlike Western countries, it seeks to
engage all parties in an inclusive dialogue instead of siding with
some against others. Morsi's choice of China as the destination of
his first state visit outside the Middle East and Africa could have
sent the signal, among others, that Egypt's new government
identifies with China's non-interference approach.
During his visit in late August, Morsi held
talks with Chinese leaders including President Hu, Premier Wen
Jiabao and Vice President Xi Jinping, all vowing to take bilateral
relations to higher levels. China and Egypt also signed eight
agreements while Morsi was in Beijing, covering areas such as
agriculture, the environment, telecommunications and tourism.
Indeed, the continuity of Sino-Egyptian
relations is rooted in the fact that both countries view each other
as important partners. China cherishes a special bond with Egypt,
the first country in the Middle East and Africa to establish
diplomatic relations with the People's Republic. It values Egypt's
role in helping China reach out to the entire region. Egypt, for
its part, is anxious to get support from China in a bid to
invigorate its lackluster economy in the wake of social turbulence.
It also tends to make relations with China a diplomatic priority as
the new government rebalances the country's formerly
Western-oriented foreign policy.
More importantly, China and Egypt share a host
of essential values. Proud of their time-honored civilizations,
both nations are imbued with a keen sense of cultural diversity.
With this in mind, they advocate respect for other countries'
development models, non-interference in other countries' domestic
affairs and the importance of transcending ideological
differences—principles that constitute the cornerstone of
Sino-Egyptian relations. Given these shared commitments, coupled
with practical needs, these relations look poised to remain on an
upward spiral whatever changes may come.
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