China Today  magazine's Arabic edition published a special issue on January 20 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Egypt with a launch ceremony held in the Egyptian capital of Cairo during Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to the African country.

President Xi, and his Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, both delivered a congratulation message to the magazine.

In the message, Xi said he traveled over mountains and waters to arrive in the beautiful Arab Republic of Egypt, and he hopes, through China Today  magazine, to convey his most sincere greetings and good wishes to the brotherly Egyptian people.

President Xi said that China and Egypt are both ancient civilizations. Since antiquity, the two people have been communicating with each other via the land and maritime Silk Road. He noted that Egypt was the first Arab and African country to establish diplomatic ties with China; after 60 years, bilateral ties are still developing soundly and have become an example for China-Arab and China-Africa relations as well as South-South Cooperation.

Xi said that China-Egypt relations were upgraded to be a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2014. China has been pushing for bilateral ties with a strategic elevation and long-term vision. He added that China wishes to join hands with Egypt in carrying forward the traditional friendship, facilitate the two civilizations' exchange and deepen practical cooperation within the "Belt and Road Initiative" in various fields, so that the people of both countries can enjoy the fruits of development.

El-Sisi welcomed Xi's visit in his congratulatory message. He said that Egypt cherishes its close ties with China, and expects the amity to continuously develop in various sectors. Egypt plans to actively respond to Xi's initiative to revive the ancient Silk Road.

The conceptual construction of a "New Egypt" brings many potential investment opportunities, including many major projects. To this purpose, the Egyptian government welcomes and encourages Chinese investment.

China Today  magazine's Arabic Edition, launched in 1964, was administered by the China International Publishing Group. It is China's only comprehensive monthly periodical for Arabic readers.

(China.org.cn January 22, 2016)