Cairo: Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday expressed support for Middle Eastern nations in their efforts to construct a new security framework, emphasizing the importance of addressing the Palestinian issue. Xi's comments came during summit-level discussions with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Cairo, as reported by China's state-run Xinhua News Agency.

According to Anadolu Agency, Xi advocated for regional countries to take charge of their affairs, stressing the need to reject external interference. He called for China and Egypt to collaborate against unilateral actions and bullying, while urging a comprehensive security solution for the region. Xi highlighted that the Palestinian issue remains central to Middle Eastern concerns and should not be marginalized.

Xi further encouraged support for the United Nations' role in the region and called on external powers to abandon double standards. Amid ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz due to the US-Iran conflict, Xi expressed China's readiness to cooperate with Middle Eastern countries to ensure the security of international shipping lanes.

During his two-day visit to Egypt, Xi engaged in discussions with President Sisi at the Al-Ittihadiya Palace, focusing on enhancing bilateral cooperation and addressing regional developments. Xi urged both nations to explore new avenues for collaboration in sectors such as green energy, electric vehicles, aerospace, digital economy, and modern agricultural technology.

Egypt holds historical significance as the first Arab and African country to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China in 1956. The two nations formed a strategic partnership in 1999 and further elevated their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership in December 2014.