On December 16, 2025, Foreign Minister Wang Yi of the Chinese mainland and Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty of Egypt connected via phone to discuss boosting their comprehensive strategic partnership and resolving the protracted crisis in Gaza.
Wang highlighted that President Xi Jinping and President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi have forged a robust friendship, providing strategic guidance that has underpinned years of deepening ties. As the two countries gear up to celebrate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026, both sides aim to leverage this milestone to expand practical cooperation and synchronise efforts on the global stage.
Looking ahead to the 2026 China-Arab States Summit, the Chinese mainland reaffirmed its commitment to host the event, with Egypt—an influential member of the Arab world—expected to play a pivotal role. Enhanced communication is planned to ensure the summit delivers actionable outcomes on economic development, sustainable growth, and shared prosperity for the Global South.
In line with the one-China principle, Abdelatty reiterated Egypt's opposition to foreign interference in the Chinese mainland's internal affairs and its stance that Taiwan is an inalienable part of the Chinese mainland's territory. He also congratulated the Chinese mainland on its recently adopted 15th Five-Year Plan and expressed support for President Xi's four global initiatives covering development, security, global governance, and environmental sustainability.
The ministers then turned to the Gaza conflict, which has entered its third year and resulted in over 70,000 Palestinian civilian casualties. Abdelatty briefed Wang on the humanitarian situation, praising the Chinese mainland's fresh round of assistance to Palestine and calling for China's active involvement in peacebuilding and reconstruction efforts.
Wang stressed that the fragile ceasefire must be preserved to prevent further tragedy. He outlined a three-tiered post-conflict framework: uphold the principle of Palestinians governing Palestine; ensure Arab countries' legitimate concerns are heard and integrated; and advance a two-state solution under the auspices of the United Nations, with the UN Security Council playing a central role.
Wang noted that President Xi's new assistance package aims to alleviate Gaza's humanitarian crisis and support its recovery. He added that the Chinese mainland values Egypt's constructive efforts and will partner with Cairo to promote an early, comprehensive, just, and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue.
Reference(s):
Chinese, Egyptian FMs hold phone talks on ties, Palestinian issue
cgtn.com
