Transcript of Premier Wen's press conference in Cairo
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2006-06-19 16:34 Before concluding his
official visit to Egypt, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao gave a press conference in
Cairo on Sunday. It was attended by about 100 reporters from China, major
Egyptian media and international news agencies based in Egypt. The following is
the transcript of the press conference:
Al Ahram (Egyptian newspaper): What is your comment on the significance of
this visit to Egypt? How do you see the future of China-Egypt relations? And
what kind of role do you think China can play in the Middle East?
Answer: My visit to Egypt coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic
relations between China and Egypt. China and Egypt both have ancient
civilizations. As President (Hosni) Mubarak said: "China and Egypt are both
creators of human glory and progress and defender of mankind's cultural
heritage, and we both pursue lofty values and ideals." This encapsulates
China-Egypt relations. Over the past 50 years, China and Egypt have supported
and helped each other, and forged a brotherly relationship. During the two-day
visit, I have met President Mubarak and had talks with Prime Minister (Ahmed)
Nazif, and the Guideline Program between China and Egypt on Deepening Strategic
Cooperation was signed between the two sides. We also reached broad agreement on
bilateral relations and major international and regional issues of mutual
interest. I am confident that with our joint efforts, China-Egypt relations will
grow in strength and the China-Egypt friendship will be as enduring as the
pyramids.
As to what kind of role China will play in the Middle East, my answer is that
China will continue to play a positive and constructive role.
Sankei Shinbun of Japan: The conflict between Palestine and Israel is
currently the biggest problem in the Middle East. What contribution can China
make on this issue? Some parties have imposed sanctions on the Hamas-led
Palestinian government. Does China plan to show its support for the Hamas-led
Government by giving assistance to it?
Answer: China supports the Middle East peace process and the Roadmap
initiative. We believe that the conflict between Palestine and Israel should be
settled through dialogue and political negotiation and on the basis of relevant
UN resolutions and the principle of "land for peace". China hopes that various
factions of Palestine will handle their differences in a calm way and reach
consensus on their internal policy through consultation. This will also be
conducive to resolving the Palestine-Israel conflict.
China hopes to see a Middle East that is peaceful, stable and growing. The
role that China plays is to promote reconciliation and facilitate dialogue among
the parties concerned, and we hope that the Palestinians and Israelis will live
and pursue development in a peaceful environment.
The current situation in the Middle East and the humanitarian situation of
Palestine are a source of concern. China is not in favor of political isolation
or economic blockade. The international community should provide more assistance
to Palestine and help President (Mahmoud) Abbas and the Palestinian Government
achieve internal stability.
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