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Chinese President Hu Jintao (R) shakes hands with the visiting Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi on a welcoming ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 28, 2012. [Photo: Xinhua]

China and Egypt pledged to deepen bilateral ties and expand cooperation in a range of sectors during a meeting between Chinese President Hu Jintao and visiting Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Tuesday afternoon.

Hu said China understands and respects the will of the Egyptian people, and supports them to choose political system and the path of development in accordance with their country's situation.

China also supports the efforts made by Egypt to safeguard national sovereignty and independence and to promote economic and social progress, Hu said.

Describing China as Egypt's "good brother, friend and partner," Morsi said Egypt, at a special historical period in its national development, thanked China for its friendly policies, understanding and support.

He said Egypt hopes to learn from China's successful experiences in reform and opening-up and strengthen cooperation with China.

Hu underscored the important role of Egypt, as a regional power and representative developing country, in international and regional affairs. He said China always views Egypt as a strategic cooperative partner in the Arab world and Africa.

He proposed four points of view to further enhance bilateral relations.

First, the two countries should deepen political relations by conducting closer exchanges between leaders, governments, parliaments and political parties. The two sides should give full play to various consultation mechanisms and continue to firmly support each other on major issues concerning each other's core interests.

Second, the two sides should expand economic and trade cooperation, proceed with construction on big projects such as a Suez trade cooperation area, and enhance cooperation in a variety of areas, including infrastructure construction, agriculture, transportation, energy and finance.

China will encourage companies to invest in Egypt and help Egypt to train professionals, Hu said.

Third, the two countries should increase cultural and people-to-people exchanges, promote dialogues and exchanges between different civilizations and deepen cooperation in the culture, health, press, technology, and tourism sectors.

Fourth, the two countries should strengthen multilateral cooperation. China supports Egypt to play a bigger role in international and regional affairs and will maintain close communication with it on hot issues.

Hu also called on the two countries to enhance cooperation within the framework of the China-Arab Cooperation Forum and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, so as to promote peace, stability and development in the region and in the world.

Hailing the traditional friendship between the two peoples, Hu spoke highly of Egypt's firm adherence to the one-China policy.

Morsi said Egypt will maintain high-level exchanges with China and promote the links between governments and political parties.

He said Egypt hopes to expand cooperation with China in such areas as manufacturing, agriculture, fishery, finance, electronics, communications and transportation infrastructure.

He welcomed Chinese companies to invest in Egypt and vowed to create a safe and stable environment for these companies. He called on the two countries to promote exchanges in civil aviation, tourism, education and technology.

Morsi also vowed to play a positive role in the development of Arab-China relations and Africa-China relations.

He said Egypt appreciates and respects China's position on major international and regional issues. He said Egypt is ready to strengthen communication and coordination with China and cope with challenges through joint efforts.

Prior to the meeting, Hu held a welcoming reception for Morsi.

After the talks, the two presidents witnessed the signing of several cooperation deals between the two countries in areas such agriculture, tourism and communication.

During Morsi's stay in Beijing from Aug. 28 to 30, other Chinese leaders, including top legislator Wu Bangguo, Premier Wen Jiabao and Vice President Xi Jinping, will also meet with him.

Morsi arrived in China on Tuesday afternoon.

(Xinhua contributed to the story)

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