Egyptian leader hails ‘remarkable progress’ in ties with China CAIRO: Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on Thursday urged the international community to support a ceasefire in Gaza and prevent the displacement of Palestinians. He was speaking at the opening session of the 10th ministerial meeting of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum in Beijing, along with Chinese President Xi Jinping and a number of Arab leaders. At the meeting, El-Sisi delivered a speech focusing on forging closer cooperation between China and Arab states in light of international developments. He also highlighted the regional situation, primarily the war in Gaza, calling for an immediate and urgent ceasefire, and the delivery of humanitarian aid and relief to the enclave. El-Sisi lauded Egyptian-Chinese relations during his speech. He said that the strong partnership had led to “remarkable progress” in ties, aligning Egypt’s Vision 2023 for Comprehensive Development with the priorities of China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Arab-Chinese political relations “are rooted in a solid foundation of shared values, primarily a mutual commitment to safeguarding the security, stability and interests of their peoples, and firmly rejecting aggression that undermines sovereignty,” he added. Close relations between Arab states and China is crucial in promoting international stability and justice, the Egyptian leader said. The Arab world “appreciates China’s approach and policies on the Palestinian issue, as well as its consistent support for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the Palestinians’ legitimate right to establish an independent state,” he added. El-Sisi called on members of international community to assume their moral and legal responsibilities to stop the Israeli war in Gaza. The unrestricted delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip must be ensured, he said, calling for an end to the Israeli blockade and any attempt to displace Palestinians. Regional and international peace required addressing the root causes of the Palestinian issue, he added. “The periodic and regular convening of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum demonstrably manifests a reciprocal commitment to invigorating the institutional relations between the Arab States and China,” El-Sisi said. “These are among a broad range of challenges and threats that underscore the critical need for friends in the international community to leverage their collective capacities for closer collaboration.” Meanwhile, El-Sisi met Premier Li Qiang in Beijing. They discussed advancing the strategic partnership between Egypt and China. The Egyptian leader praised China’s contribution to supporting development projects in Egypt. Li praised Egypt’s experience in development and its achievements across a range of industries.