Premier Wen Jiabao meets Egyptian leaders

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has met with Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak and his Egyptian counterpart Ahmed Nazef in Cairo.

The leaders exchanged views on bilateral ties, trade and strategic cooperation.

During his meeting with Mubarak, Wen Jiabao said Egypt was the first Arabic and African country to establish diplomatic ties and strategic partnership of cooperation with China. He said the China-Egypt relationship has occupied an important position in China's foreign relations.

The Chinese Premier noted that the two countries have cooperated closely on major international issues, effectively protecting their common interests.

He said China is willing to work with Egypt to maintain high-profile exchanges, deepen cooperation in such areas as trade and commerce, and to strengthen communication and coordination on major issues, including the international financial crisis and climate change.

On the Mid-East peace process, Wen Jiabao said China supports Egypt's important and continuing role.

Mubarak said the friendly and cooperative relationship between the two countries is going well. He said Egypt is well placed and willing to serve as an active bridge connecting China, Arab and African nations.

He also noted that Egypt will continue to actively mediate in the Middle East peace process, and to create conditions for a new round of Middle East peace talks.

Meeting with his Egyptian counterpart Ahmed Nazef on Saturday, Premier Wen Jiabao proposed that the two sides should strengthening cooperation in developing the Suez economic and trade coopeartion zone, saying more Chinese enterprises will invest in the joint project. He also advocated enhancing cooperation in infrastructure construction and the energy sector.

Nazef expressed hope for further economic and trade cooperation with China, and welcomed more Chinese investments in Egypt.

After their meeting, the two leaders signed cooperation agreements on economic, cultural, and customs cooperation, and attended the Suez economic zone unveiling ceremony.

Later, the Chinese Premier visited a Chinese cultural center in Cairo. The center is the first and only one of its kind in an Arab country.