Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing attended a reception held by the Egyptian Embassy in Beijing Monday to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Egypt.

Li said China and Egypt both enjoy ancient civilization and the two peoples see a long history of friendship.

The two peoples have respected and supported each other since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries 50 years ago, said Li.

China and Egypt are close friends and partners of mutual assistance, said Li, adding the relations between the two countries set up a model for the relations between China and Arab countries, China and African countries and China and developing countries.

Egyptian Ambassador to China Mahmoud Allam said at the reception that Egypt and China have "joint positions on various international issues" and "close bilateral cooperation in economic, cultural and technological fields reached across the governmental and non-governmental levels, as well as business communities."

The two countries "have established a precedent for South/South cooperation," said Allam.

Egypt will seek further cooperation with China in the fields of investments, tourism, science and technology, and culture, he said, adding the two countries will continue to work closely to ensure peace and security in the world.

About 500 officials, diplomats and persons from other circles attended the reception.

Source: Xinhua