Top Chinese legislator meets Egyptian President

Zhang Dejiang (R), chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), meets with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 24, 2014.(Xinhua/Liu Weibing)

Top Chinese legislator Zhang Dejiang on Wednesday met with visiting Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah Sisi on seeking stronger ties.

Zhang, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature, said both China and Egypt are birthplaces of old civilizations and have a profound friendship.

The joint statement on establishing comprehensive strategic partnership,signed by Chinese President Xi Jinping and Sisi on Tuesday, will chart a direction for bilateral relations, Zhang said.

Under the joint statement, the two presidents pledged to boost political, economic, military, cultural and technological cooperation and work more closely on regional and international affairs.

The NPC would like to play a role in implementing the consensus reached by the two presidents, enhancing political mutual trust and deepening trade and economic collaboration, Zhang said.

He underscored the NPC's commitment to work more closely with the Egyptian new assembly, share experience on state governance and legislation, consolidate legal and public foundation for bilateral cooperation and boost the long-term steady growth of bilateral relations.

Sisi, who is on his first visit to Beijing since he took office in June, said Egypt will as always adhere to its friendly policy towards China.

Sisi said China has achieved remarkable development achievements and Egypt welcomes China's growing investment.

The Egyptian leader called for the two countries to step up exchanges and cooperation in all fields and deepen comprehensive strategic partnership.

Sisi will wrap up his four-day state visit to China on Thursday.