Egypt supports all efforts to finalize a peaceful political settlement in Juba, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi told his South Sudanese counterpart Salva Kiir Monday.  The two African leaders met at Sisi’s residence in Beijing on the sidelines of the Forum on China and Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). Sisi said in the meeting that he backs a national dialogue in South Sudan to achieve national reconciliation, according to a statement by the spokesperson of the presidency, Bassam Rady.  As the presidents discussed bilateral cooperation, Sisi reiterated that his country will continue to offer aid and technical assistance to South Sudan. Sisi participated in this year’s edition of FOCAC, themed “China and Africa: Toward an Even Stronger Community with a Shared Future through Win-Win Cooperation.” Chinese President Xi Jinping chaired the opening of the summit at Beijing’s Great Hall that brought together African leaders, international and African organizations and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Sisi also held meetings with heads of giant Chinese firms operating in Egypt. He showcased the economic challenges that Egypt faced in the past years as a result of local developments, which affected investment in the country, pushing Cairo to take significant economic measures. The president underpinned the solid strategic ties between China and Egypt, which were embodied in signing the comprehensive strategic partnership, said Rady. Sisi also expressed keenness to meet Chinese businessmen and economists to bolster economic and commercial cooperation, develop mutual investments and increase Chinese investments.