Egyptian Prime Minister Ahmed Nazef said on Sunday in Cairo that his country was ready to further promote strategic and cooperative relations with China.

Nazef made the remarks during a meeting with visiting Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Wang Yi, according to a Chinese embassy source.

Nazef said that Egypt regards China as a reliable friend and is willing to deepen its cooperation with China in political, economic, trade, scientific, technological and educational fields.

Egypt welcomes Chinese investment, and Chinese enterprises could see Egypt as a springboard for expanding their businesses in Africa, the Middle East and Europe, the prime minister said.

Egypt is also interested in learning from China's experience in its reforms and development drive, Nazef added.

For his part, Wang said that Egypt is one of the first group of developing countries to establish strategic ties with China, and China is prepared to strengthen strategic dialogue with Egypt and further expand cooperation with Egypt.

During his stay here, Wang also met with Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul Gheit.

Wang arrived here on Thursday. He will conclude his five-day visit Monday.