Liang, also a state councilor, made the remarks when meeting with the visiting Egyptian air force commander Reda Hafez, and spoke highly of Egypt’s firm support for China on Taiwan and human right issues.

“China and Egypt have been supporting and helping each other consistently in international and regional affairs since we forged diplomatic ties in 1956,” Liang said. Communication and cooperation between the two countries in all fields had been expanding.

Hafez said Egypt and China had a long history of friendship, and China enjoyed a very important position among the Egyptian people.

Hafez also said Egypt hoped for further cooperation and friendship with China.