On 4 June, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi took a phone call from Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry.
Shoukry congratulated China on being among the first to bring COVID-19 under control. He expressed his delight over the full restoration of normal life and work in China, and conveyed the readiness to learn from China's experience. He said that Egypt applauds China's contribution to international cooperation against the virus and opposes groundless accusations by certain countries against China. As comprehensive strategic partners, Egypt and China enjoy strong political trust and broad space for cooperation in various fields. Egypt commends China's constructive role in international affairs and stands ready to maintain close communication with the Chinese side.
Wang said that under the personal leadership of President Xi Jinping and with painstaking efforts, China has brought COVID-19 under full control and become one of the first countries to resume economic activities. In this process, China has contributed its experience to the global response and played a positive role in maintaining global economic stability. Some countries, for the sake of domestic politics, keep hurling unfounded accusations and slanders against China. Such moves will find no support among the international community.
Noting the profound impact of COVID-19 on the international landscape, Wang highlighted the need for more strategic leadership-level communication between China and Egypt, and between China and Africa. He said that the two sides must work together to overcome current difficulties, advance the building of a closer community with a shared future, and jointly send a strong message of supporting multilateralism and safeguarding international equity and justice.
The two ministers also exchanged views on regional issues of shared interest.