Middle East Countries Should Decide Their Own Affairs, Reject External Interference and Build New Regional Security Architecture: Xi Jinping

CAIRO, September 3: Chinese President Xi Jinping has called on Middle Eastern countries to take charge of their own affairs, reject external interference and work towards establishing a new regional security architecture based on common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security.

Xi made the remarks during talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi at Al-Ittihadiya Palace in Cairo, where the two leaders discussed bilateral relations, regional developments and major international issues.

The Chinese president said countries in the region should respect each other’s legitimate security concerns and resolve differences through dialogue and consultation. He stressed that lasting regional peace and stability require a common approach to security rather than seeking the security of one country at the expense of others.

Xi also outlined a four-point proposal for addressing challenges in the Middle East, emphasizing that regional countries should remain masters of their own affairs, reject external interference, pursue common security and promote development as the foundation for lasting peace.

He said the Palestinian issue remains at the core of the Middle East question and must not be overlooked. China supports a just and comprehensive political settlement, the legitimate national rights of the Palestinian people and the realization of a two-state solution.

Xi said China was ready to work with Egypt and other regional countries to safeguard peace, stability and development and to protect the security of international shipping lanes while upholding the UN Charter and international law.

The two leaders agreed to further deepen the China-Egypt comprehensive strategic partnership and expand cooperation in areas including the Belt and Road Initiative, artificial intelligence, digital economy, science and technology, green energy, agriculture, industry, transport and education.

During Xi’s visit, the two sides witnessed the signing of multiple cooperation documents covering economic and trade relations, artificial intelligence, industrial and supply chains and other sectors. They also issued a joint statement on further deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership.

President El-Sisi said Egypt attaches great importance to its strategic partnership with China and expressed readiness to expand cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure, energy, technology, defence and security.

The two leaders also stressed the importance of closer coordination through multilateral platforms, including the United Nations, BRICS and China-Arab and China-Africa cooperation mechanisms.

Xi’s state visit marked the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Egypt. During the visit, Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan also toured the Grand Egyptian Museum with President El-Sisi and his wife.